The 1996 Sunkist Orange Bottlers season was the 7th season of the franchise in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
Contents
Summary
After a near-grandslam finish last year, the Sunkist Orange Bottlers failed to advance in the semifinal round in all three conferences of the 1996 season. In the All-Filipino Cup, from an even 3-3 won-loss slate in the first round of eliminations, the Orange Bottlers dropped six straight games in the second round and were ousted from the semifinals. Forward Nelson Asaytono was traded to San Miguel for 1992 MVP Ato Agustin with three games left in their elimination round schedule.
The Orange Bottlers brought in former Alaska import Marques Bragg in the Commissioner's Cup. After losing their first two games, Bragg led Sunkist to their first win against Purefoods, 97-93 on June 21. Sunkist were tied with Purefoods and Formula Shell for the fourth and fifth slot in the semifinals, Shell advances into the next round via tie-breaker, leaving Purefoods and Sunkist to dispute the last seat, the Orange Bottlers lost to Purefoods, 76-89, in their playoff game on July 30.
Tony Harris came back as their import in the Governor's Cup, leading Sunkist to a 93-91 opening day win over defending champion Alaska Milk on September 29. The Orange Bottlers lost two straight games to Shell and Purefoods and the coaching staff decided to replace Harris with a new import Lester Neal. Sunkist finished with a 5-win, 6-loss card in the eliminations and were in a twice-to-beat disadvantage in the quarterfinals, the Orange Bottlers forces a rubber match against Shell, but lost in their sudden-death playoff, 102-104 on November 24.
Roster
Team Manager: Elmer Yanga