the second time they've beaten Alaska in a finals series despite dropping the first two games. Kerby Raymundo, acquired from Red Bull prior to the start of the tournament, was the Finals MVP. Brown was the conference's Best Import while Evangelista was the Best Player of the Conference. However, Purefoods became a mediocre team in the Commissioner's Cup and the All-Filipino Cup finishing dead last in the succeeding conferences of the season. After the season, Ronnie Magsanoc won the Comeback Player of the Year Award and announced his retirement after he received the award. Gregorio and Coca-Cola mentor Chot Reyes was named co-winners of the Coach of the Year Award. In 2003, Gregorio was named as the head coach of the team as Altamirano was reassigned to the traveling SMC All-Stars (composed of former PBA all-stars). Purefoods each failed to enter the quarterfinals of the three conferences. In the Reinforced Conference, they had former NBA protege Lenny Cooke, but Cooke later suffered an injury, causing the Hotdogs not to qualify for the quarterfinals. It was the first season that Purefoods failed to make the 20 win mark with a dismal 9–27 win loss card (a franchise low). 2004: The James Yap Era The Purefoods Tender Juicy Hotdogs acquired James Yap as the second overall draft pick in the 2004 PBA draft. Yap became the main man of the team that led Purefoods through the years. The former UE Red Warrior has won multiple Most Valuable Player awards. He is one of the most exciting players in the league and his partner PJ Simon the teams supersub and later on becomes an all star caliber player and nicknamed scoring apostle. Patrimonio's retirement During Patrimonio's birthday celebration on November 26, 2004 (Patrimonio's birthday was on November 17), he announced his retirement in an emotional speech, ending his illustrious 16-year career to concentrate his role as team manager. His number was retired in December, becoming the first Purefoods player to have his jersey retired. Purefoods was the only team Patrimonio played for in the PBA. The rebuilding process began for Purefoods despite a dismal showing in the 2004 PBA Fiesta Conference. In the 2004–05 Philippine Cup, Purefoods was eliminated by Shell in the quarterfinals. Same can be said in the 2005 Fiesta Conference, when the Turbo Chargers eliminated them in the same predicament. Purefoods Chunkee Giants (2005–2006) Prior to the start of the