ALVIN PATRIMONIO, center, and Jerry Codinera, right, will stay as PureFoods' 1-2 punch. (Bob DUNGO Jr.)

PureFoods would cease to be just an Alvin Patrimonio team for the upcoming PBA season, promised new Cowboy coach Eric Altamirano. The 30-year old Altamirano who is set to be the league's youngest mentor, revealed that he devised plays not centered on the prized power forward who just signed a humongous P38m contract renewal.

"I explained to Alvin (Patrimonio) that he no longer needs to score heavily," said the Pure Foods coach. "This will create unpredictability in our offense."

Patrimonio, together with long-time frontline partner Jerry Codinera, led Pure Foods to three championships, not to mention a string of All- Filipino Finals appear- ances. The 6-3 former Mapua standout who copped three league MVP awards, is noted more for his offensive prowess.

But Altamirano believes that Patrimonio could be blossom into a more well-rounder player.

"He (Patrimonio) is working on the other aspects of his game particularly on defense and in assists (department)" said Altamirano. "I think with our new brand of play we can see more triple-double games by Alvin."

With the new scheme of things, Altamirano now intends to spread the scoring load to guys like Edmund Reyes, Rey Evangelista and Elmer Lago.

"I feel we are now a more balanced team," remarked Altamirano. "Frontline is no longer just the basis (of our strength) because we filled the gap in our backcourt."

In the off-season, Pure Foods acquired Lago from Shell, 1996 PBL Floro Cup MVP Genesis Sasuman, and rookie Freche Ang who was described by the Pure Foods coach as a "revelation".

The Cowboys also enlisted big man Chris Bolado from Alaska and the Pure Foods mentor sees tremendous possibility with the 6-7 center's presence in the team.

"There is a chance that I can field in Chris (Bolado), Jerry (Codinera) and Alvin (Patrimonio) at the same time," he said. "Alvin could slide down to small forward because of his skills and it would surely create mismatches (in that position)."

Olsen Racela went to San Miguel during the pre-season, which leaves Dindo Pumaren to tend the playmaking chores.

"This will be a big challenge for Dindo (Pumaren) to step up," said Altamirano.

In all, Altamirano is optimistic of his team's chances for the coming season.

"We're looking to develop consistency in our games through discipline and I think we could engage in a winning season," he remarked.

"Our goal is to enter the semifinals in each of the three conferences and probably win at least one championship," Altamirano added. -NOEL RODRIGUEZ

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