cooler heads eventually prevailed, penalties were given and the game came to an end—as well as the Giants' season. The controversial blow-out loss at the Ynares center turned out to be the last game of Castillo and Evangelista as professional basketball players. Castillo retired while Evangelista joined the Giants' coaching staff. Evangelista played his entire career with the Purefoods franchise that drafted him second overall in 1994. He won four championships with Purefoods and was known as a solid defender and rebounder. Castillo, on the other hand, was dreaded for his clutch baskets and was a consistent marksman throughout his career. He won a championship with the team in 2006 PBA Philippine Cup. Before the start of the 2008–2009 KFC PBA Philippine Cup, the TJ Giants and their fans once again got into trouble with the Singapore Slingers audience during an exhibition game. The Giants lost to the Slingers in that heated match, but ironically, they signed Slinger Al Vergara for a single conference contract in the 2009 Motolite PBA Fiesta Conference. In the off-season, Purefoods overhauled its roster by bringing in rookies Beau Belga, Jonathan Fernandez, and Richard Alonzo. They also acquired veterans Topex Robinson and Paolo Bugia from Red Bull and Aaron Aban from Alaska. These moves, however, were all futile attempts at establishing team chemistry as the team failed to excel at the classification phase, even after acquiring Rich Alvarez in mid-conference and having Adducul back from cancer treatment. Having to play in yet another wildcard phase, the Giants continued their struggle in the 2008–2009 Philippine Cup. During a timeout in a knockout game against Air21, Yap and Purefoods assistant coach Koy Banal exchanged harsh words which caused a stir in the team's huddle. Moments later, Raymundo rushed to the other side of the court to confront Air21 fans. The Express went on to win the game, ending the Purefoods' campaign. The Long Road Back to Glory To settle the issue between Yap and Banal, the team's officials called for an emergency meeting right after the loss to Air21. The whole team stayed up late to talk things over, and the two eventually reconciled. Before the start of the 2009 Motolite PBA Fiesta Conference, the team made a move in a three-way trade with Ginebra and Burger King, they let go of the young players remaining in their roster---Beau Belga, Chad Alonzo, and Chico Lañete. In return,