1997 Formula Shell Zoom Masters season

The 1997 Formula Shell Super Unleaded season was the 13th season of the franchise in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

1997 Formula Shell season
Head coach	Chito Narvasa
All-Filipino Cup results
Record	5–9 (.357)
Place	8th
Playoff finish	N/A
Commissioner's Cup results
Record	8–10 (.444)
Place	5th
Playoff finish	Semifinals
Governor's Cup results
Record	2–12 (.143)
Place	8th
Playoff finish	N/A
Formula Shell seasons

Off-season transactions

TRANSACTIONS
Ernesto Ballesteros ^Drafted Rookie
Johnedel Cardel ^Signed via free agency; release by Sta.Lucia
Jay Mendoza ^Drafted Rookie
Giovanni Pineda ^Signed via free agency; release by Alaska

Notable dates

March 7: After being held down to only 56 points in a loss to San Miguel Beermen in their previous game a week before, the Shell Zoom Masters scored their second win in five games in the All-Filipino Cup by beating Alaska Milkmen, 78-70. [1]

June 13: Former San Miguel import John Best in his second stint in the PBA as Shell hired his services instead of last year's Commissioners Cup best import Kenny Redfield, who moved to Sta.Lucia, scored 41 points as the Zoom Masters defeated an off-form Purefoods Corned Beef Cowboys, 114-106, at the start of the Commissioners Cup. [2]

July 20: Formula Shell earned a semifinal ticket in the Commissioners Cup with a 100-97 victory over Alaska Milkmen. Import John Best led five Shell double figure scorers with 36 points. [3]

October 14: Import Dennis Williams scored 35 points as Shell finally break into win column in the Governors Cup after six losses with a 101-96 victory over Pop Cola. The Zoom Masters have lost eight straight since the Commissioners Cup semifinals. [4]

Occurrences

Seven-time best import Bobby Parks played in his 11th season in the PBA but was injured after seeing action for three games in the Governor's Cup, Parks was replaced by Dennis Williams. [5]

Roster

Pos. No. Player School G 00 Rommel Santos College of Staten Island G 5 Ronnie Magsanoc UP-Diliman G 6 Johnedel Cardel De La Salle F 8 Alejandro Lim University of Visayas F 9 Jay Mendoza Mapua Tech G 10 Richie Ticzon Ateneo de Manila F 11 Peter Naron University of Visayas G 12 Porferio Marzan University of Baguio C 14 Benjie Paras UP-Diliman F 16 Estong Ballesteros UST C 25 Giovanni Pineda Adamson University C 32 Jolly Escobar UE F 33 Victor Pablo FEU F 4 John Best (C) Tennessee Technological University F 22 Bobby Parks (G) Memphis State University F Dennis Williams (G) Georgia University Position Name/s Head coach:  Chito Narvasa Assistants: Perry Ronquillo (C) - Commissioner's Cup Import, (G) - Governor's Cup Import '

References

1. "Shell shocks Alaska". Manila Bulletin Online.
2. "Shell, Gordon's topple rivals". Manila Standard.
3. "Shell zooms to semifinals, masters Alaska five". Manila Standard.
4. "Shell finally gets first win". Manila Standard.
5. "Euro league veteran replaces injured Parks". Manila Standard.