The 1993 Shell Helix Ultra season was the 9th season of the franchise in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). Known as Shell Rimula-X in the All-Filipino Cup.
Contents
Summary
Before the start of the season, Shell's main man Benjie Paras wanted out of his contract and signified his intentions to join his team's arch rival Ginebra San Miguel. The Shell management declined Ginebra's offer of two trade options. Paras skip the whole All-Filipino Cup tournament as the Turbo Chargers suffered without their top center, winning only twice in 10 games in the eliminations and finish last.
Starting the Commissioner's Cup, Benjie Paras finally decided to remain with his team and played his first game in the second conference, and with 7-time best import Bobby Parks back anew, Shell Helix won their first three games against 7-Up, 85-84 on opening day on June 13, Ginebra on June 18, a 98-89 win, and Sta.Lucia, 120-109 on June 22, before losing to the Ronnie Thompkins-led Swift Mighty Meaties on June 27. The Oilers finish the eliminations tied at third with San Miguel Beer and behind Swift and Purefoods Oodles with a 7-4 won-loss slate. In the semifinal round, Shell was in contention for one of the two finals berth when they lost their last two games, 108-110 to Swift on August 17, which beat them for the fourth time in the conference, and were booted out from the finals race by the San Miguel Beermen, 82-91 on August 22.
Shell coach Rino Salazar and Team Manager Charlie Favis were able to convince Michael Morrison, who played for the team as a replacement import two years ago, to return in the Governor's Cup, but after four games where Shell failed to score a single victory, Morrison was replaced and coming in was Calvin Talford, who led Shell to their only win in the Third Conference against Alaska, 113-98 on October 19.
Governor's Cup roster
Assistant coaches: Manuel Pineda / Cris Calilan Team Manager: Charlie Favis