The 2002 Coca-Cola Tigers season was the first season of the franchise in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
Contents
New team
Formerly the Pop Cola Panthers, RFM Corporation sold its entire stake in softdrink unit Cosmos Bottling Corporation, including its PBA franchise to Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines, Inc. The team was renamed Coca-Cola Tigers as a new ballclub. Records of the Pop Cola Panthers were not retained.
Occurrences
Key players Rudy Hatfield and Jeffrey Cariaso serve time for the national team in the first two conferences, three other tigers; rookie Rafi Reavis and center Poch Juinio played for RP-Selecta while Johnny Abarrientos played for RP-Hapee during the Governor's Cup.
Championship
The Coca Cola Tigers made history, becoming the first team to win a PBA title in its maiden season, winning the season-ending All-Filipino Cup crown over the Alaska Aces, 3 games to 1. The Tigers captured their first championship on Christmas Day, defeating the Aces, 78-63 in Game 4 of the finals.
Games won
Governor's Cup
Commissioner's Cup
All-Filipino Cup