The President’s Cup 2008 Finals pitted destiny against dynasty. Destiny was represented by the young and youthful Hardy Boys, who through the years have proven to be a talented team but not a championship team. On the other hand, dynasty is best exemplified by OBG (Oldies But Goodies) who have been formidable contenders for the crown throughout their eight year tenure. OBG has always finished among the league’s top four teams. Winning the championship would secure them a place in the history books as the most winningest team in Pres Cup history. A win for the Hardy Boys would exorcise their demons of failed expectations. And allow them to claim what they thought was so rightfully theirs: the championship.

As the last few minutes of the game drew to a close, fatigue started to set in for both teams. More and more shots started missing, possessions became more valuable and emotions began to show. This was an all too familiar test for the Hardy Boys. A test they have failed for the past four years.

The core members of the team were originally from the J-Boys team in 2005. Back then, most members of the Hardy Boys were freshmen and sophomores. This included Gian Odejar, JP Villamor, David Castillo, Francis Ang, Gio Bote, Carlo Sibulo, Dinno Pastrano, Tommy DelRosario and Anton Grau. The team had no shortage in talent and size. However, inexperience would lead to heart ache for the J-Boys. Much more heartache than they initially expected.

They matched up against the Ex-Varsity team during the ’05 semi-finals. Anton Grau sent the game into overtime as he launched a buzzer beating 23-footer over the outstretched arms of JR Jocson. With the Ex-Varsity leading by a point and 13 seconds remaining in the extra period, David Castillo drove to the basket and dished to a wide open Tommy DelRosario who over shot a three foot lay-up. Tommy fell to the ground and, in disappointment, did not get up for the next 30 minutes.

In 2006, most of the J-Boys team members graduated and the team disbanded. The remaining players formed the nucleus of the Hardy Boys. The new name represented new vigor and resolve. The Hardy Boys recorded an outstanding regular season standing, reconciling only one loss. At the final four stage of the tournament, they were matched up against the Pioneers (Then defending champions). It was an exhilarating basketball game that took an extra 5 minutes to finally resolve. During overtime, the Pioneers used their physical advantage over the younger Hardy Boys. The Hardy Boys could not sustain their run-and-gun style as the game slowed down during the crucial minutes. The pioneers triumphed. Once again, the Hardy Boys suffered the agony of defeat.

The following year would see the team stick together. With the retirement of the Pioneers (’05 and ‘06 champions) the field was open for anyone. 2007 also saw the controversial additions of EM standouts JR Bulaon, Ralph Egonia and Baco Avecilla to the Hardy Boys line-up. Many doubted if the addition of three more stars to an already star-studded line-up would work in favor of the team. However, doubts were soon put to rest as the team secured a flawless season record. After steamrolling their way to the semis, the Hardy Boys were matched against a formidable foe in the finals: OBG.

Most of the Hardy Boys thought this was going to be easy. They were heavily favored because of their dominant play during the season. But OBG had other things in mind. Behind the court savvy of Chiqui Reyes, OBG became totally opposite of what the Hardy Boys were expecting. OBG was hungrier, more physical and more aggressive. The Hardy Boys managed to keep the contest close all throughout. However, the last two minutes would witness a monumental collapse from the Hardy Boys. Execution, heart and hustle plays became the difference in this game. OBG took the title, recording one of the greatest upsets in Pres Cup history.

At this point the Hardy Boys were weary and tired of losing. As the 2008 season started, the Hardy Boys experienced even more set backs. As they saw the key loses of big men Carlo Sibulo, Dino Pastrano and playmaker Gio Bote. In addition to that, Tommy DelRosario was only available for two season games.

Meanwhile, the league merged its two divisions. The Hardy Boys are now one of the older teams in the fray. However, the team also managed to get some key acquisitions, the up and coming Martin Cuna joined the roster, together with big man Jojo Uy and freshman Jay Perez-Rubio.

Once again, the Hardy Boys steamrolled their way through the eliminations. The team earned top seeding for the playoffs. They defeated the Z-packers to get them a seat at the Pres Cup Finals. At the finals, the Hardy Boys met an all too familiar foe: OBG.

As the Pres Cup finals drew closer, the team could not help but be affected by their tainted past. For three years, the Hardy Boys suffered loss on bitter loss. Their track record seemed to be another version of the “Curse of the Bambino”. The injury of sturdy forward Francis Ang only lessened their chances of winning the crown. But they still carried the bitter belief that the crown is rightfully theirs.

This time around the Hardy Boys were ready to exorcise their demons.

The two teams fought for a grueling 40 minute exhibition of talent, skill and composure. Back and fourth the teams battled each other as if there was no tomorrow. The contest saw outstanding performances from both teams. As the last minutes drew closer, the Hardy Boys slowly but surely pulled away compliments of MVP David Castillo and mythical team member Anton Grau. For every one else who was watching, the last quarter was just basketball. But for the Hardy Boys, it was a culmination of four years of hard work.

In the words of Clyde the Glide, “How sweet it is” (Clyde Drexler, NBA Championship 1995).

Acknowledgments:
Thanks to Niel Ong for the pictures
For game stats check out http://presidentscup.multiply.com/journal/item/17/Our_Time_-_Hardy_Boys