Everybody’s bullish about Red Bull

His team may have dominated the PBA 26th season but coach Jong Uichico, this early, believes Red Bull, and not San Miguel Beer, is the team to beat in the 2001 campaign which is set start Jan. 28.

The other coaches agree with Uichico, expecting Red Bull to be a chief contender with the return of Kerby Raymundo and the arrival of the year’s top draft pick.

"As it is, they’re already good and big. Add Kerby (Raymundo) and the No. 1 pick in their lineup and Red Bull will surely become a powerhouse team," said Uichico, the PBA Press Corps’ choice as the Coach of the Year.

"So we also have to strengthen our lineup. Otherwise, we’ll be left behind. Mahihirapan kaming sabayan ang Red Bull," Uichico added.

Purefoods’ Derrick Pumaren and Ginebra’s Allan Caidic likewise foresee Red Bull becoming a major title contender in only its second year in the league.

"Red Bull can give any team a run for their money. Parang dalawa ang No. 1 pick nila this year dahil kay Kerby Raymundo. San Miguel will still be there but I think Red Bull can compete very well now," said Pumaren.

Caidic said: "No doubt, Red Bull is among the favorites now together with San Miguel Beer and Purefoods. Of course, hindi pwedeng kalimutan ang Alaska. But the question is whether Ali Peek and Jon Ordonio can quickly adjust with coach Tim Cone’s system."

Uichico, Pumaren and Caidic are all hoping they can get good talents from the draft although they’re not discounting the possibility of entering into trade deals.

Uichico said they’re now working out new contracts for star players Danny Ildefonso and Danny Seigle.

Pumaren, meanwhile, said his brother Dindo Pumaren has signed a new two-year contract and they have shored up their frontline rotation by acquiring Marc Victoria from Pop Cola.