Tim Cone continues to win. My heart continues to break. by Polo Bustamante

On the eve of a possible B-MEG championship, an Alaska fan shares his deep, deep pain.

By Polo Bustamante (@polo_bustamante)

I want Talk N’ Text to win. Because I dislike the Purefoods Tender Juicy Hotdogs.

I refuse to call them B-MEG to preserve my original aversion. I enjoyed the beating that 8^th seed Powerade handed them last conference. I hope Talk N’ Text gets their act straight so that they can beat Purefoods.

I want Talk ‘N Text to win. Because of my history as an Alaska Fan.

I remember how Purefoods import Kenny Redfield destroyed Jolas and the Milkmen in the 1994 Commissioner’s Cup. I rememer how Alaska battled a tough Hotdog team led by Cap, Jerry Codinera and Dindo Pumaren in the 1996 All-Filipino Cup.

It goes that far.

Yet my most painful memories are the most recent ones.

I was confident that the Aces would win the 2002 Governor’s Cup. How could they lose? They led 2-0 and won Game 6. Momentum was on their side right? Wrong. The Hotdogs drubbed the Aces. They cruised to a 20-point win. Derrick “The Flight” Brown dunked all over my team.

Of course, who could forget the 2010 All-Filipino Cup? In Game 2 of the Finals, referee Maui Maurillo called a foul on JDV and practically handed the Hotdogs the win and the championship. Okay, some Aces were also to blame for that one. But it still sucks balls to lose to Purefoods. It stings even more to have been swept by them.

But the question begs to be answered.

Why do I still abhor the Hotdogs?

I want Purefoods to lose because they’re coached by Earl Timothy Cone. I hope Tim sweats it out before winning another championship. Especially after what he did to the Alaska Franchise.

And here’s where I get emotional.

It hurt that Cone left. Real deep. It really felt like he gave up on the team. I’m sure he had his reasons. I’m in no position to question his motives. But when he left, he dealt the death sentence to the franchise. The Aces are now in limbo.

The worst part; Tim brought his necktie to one of Alaska’s bitter rivals. Hell, I would have felt better if he ended up coaching La Salle (and I’m from Ateneo).

I want Tim to look back and realize that the greatest heights of his career happened with Alaska. It would kill me to watch James Yap and Marc Pingris shower Coach Tim with Gatorade. I don’t know if the collision with referee Art Herrera was Murphy’s Law in action. I just decided to take it as an omen.

Tim Cone WAS Alaska. He was the face of the Aces. He was the one constant in a league full of changes. He coached my all-time favorite player, Jojo Lastimosa. He coached my favorite Blue Eagle LA Tenorio. He introduced the Triangle Offense. He started a winning tradition. He made me cheer for my favorite coach.

And then, he left.

I want Talk ‘N Text to win. Because I want Tim Cone back.

Damned Hotdogs.

Damned heartbreak. PB