Merlin Wilson, who was Tanduay's import back in 1979, returns after six years and played for the Rhum Makers in their first two games (only one game officially when their second outing vs Ginebra was ordered replayed) in the Open Conference. He was replaced by David Pope.
After the first round of eliminations in the Third Conference with Tanduay having only one win in six games, a blockbuster trade took place sending their center Abet Guidaben to Manila Beer in favor of Ramon Fernandez. On October 1, Fernandez debut in Tanduay uniform in the Rhum Makers' 106–112 loss to Magnolia. [1]
Coach Orly Castelo was assigned by the ballclub to be the team's athletic director going into their last five games in the elimination round of the Third Conference, he was replaced by former Gilbey's coach Arturo Valenzona. [2]