San Juan's return to Cuneta evoke memories from their beginnings

San Juan's first visit at the Cuneta Astrodome for the 2019 MPBL Lakan season made some people reminisce on the Knights' beginnings.

Among them was team manager Jun Usman, who was part of the organization when they entered the old Metropolitan Basketball Association as one of the expansion teams in 1999.

"Medyo ganun pa rin ang kumpiyansa," he said after the Knights won 88-69 over the Cebu Sharks for their first game here since they last played here 20 years ago. "Alam naman namin yung tiga-Pasay yung opening. Home court namin ito dati."

On February 7, 1999 the Knights played their very first game at the Astrodome, defeating the Nueva Ecija Patriots 89-70 as former NCAA MVP and original member Christian Calaguio poured half of his 24 points in the final frame to dispatch their opponents, who had then-unknown Willie MIller and Alex Crisano on their ranks.

After that, San Juan went on to win their next two there before moving to Ninoy Aquino Stadium and PhilSports Arena for their home games in their inaugural season, in which they made it to the North Division semifinals where they fell to the Pasig-Rizal Pirates in five grueling games.

"Di ko na matandaan," he chided as it was two decades ago since they last played here, in which that makes their win against Cebu their fourth straight win in Cuneta.

Apart from Usman and principal team owner Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, the most known link to the original Knights came from the coaching staff, with former players Randy Alcantara and Gherome Ejercito are in the sidelines as the head and assistant coach, respectively.

Apparently, this trip down memory lane is a springboard for their planned reunion of the two title winning teams (2000 MBA and last season's Datu Cup) which will be on the works to serve as a nostalgic tribute that will be dedicated to the fans of the Knights.

Pinoyliga is the official media partner of the San Juan Knights