Oracle's gutsy win preserves Harbour Centre tradition

MANILA, Philippines – Oracle Residences continued the winning tradition of the great Harbour Centre franchise, ruling the just-concluded 2009 PBL PG Flex Unity Cup at the expense of Pharex at the Ynares Sports Center.

By winning its seventh straight championship, the Harbour Centre franchise established itself as the most successful team, if not the greatest team in the 26-year history of the league.

With its latest success – thanks largely to the Titans never-say-die attitude – the Harbour Centre franchise matched the seven titles of the Stag-Tanduay in the 90s. Tanduay won five straight titles before winning two more championships.

“This is perhaps the toughest championship we went through, much difficult from our first title, so credit goes to my players and to our team manager Erick Arejola,” said team owner Mikee Romero who also thanked Far Eastern University officials for their support to the team.

The Titans needed a Game 5 in both their semis (against Cobra Energy Drink) and championship series.

“That made our victory the more special,” said Romero, who was particularly thrilled with the performance of coach Glenn Capacio and Fil-Am Chris Timberlake.

Capacio said accepting the coaching job for Oracle was one of the toughest decisions he made. But he passed the test with flying colors.

“I was under pressure from the very first day I accepted the job. Honestly, it was a hard decision to handle a champion team that’s why I am very grateful for Mr. Romero for his trust and confidence in my coaching ability,” said Capacio, who is also the coach of FEU in the UAAP.

While it was Mark Barroca who shone brightly in their title-clinching 82-69 win, both Capacio and Arejola paid tribute to all-around performance of Timberlake, who dominated Pharex’s Chris Ross.

The 5-foot-10 Timberlake, who was taken by Arejola during the dispersal draft, provided almost everything for team to emerge as the Finals MVP. He played for Toyota Otis but was not given much attention.

“He deserved it,” said Arejola. “He’s the glue of the team, he’s consummate leader on the court.”

Even commissioner Chino Trinidad commended Timberlake for his demeanor, discipline and the will to win.