JOHNNIE ABARRIENTOS, right, will have a much bigger role in Alaska's new rotation. (Bob DUNGO Jr.)

Alaska Milk will enter the 1997 Philippine Basketball Association season with one-third of its grand slam team gone, which could only mean bad news for a ballclub which thrives on chemistry.

Tim Cone's desire of parading an intact lineup was frustrated when Chris Bolado, Giovanni Pineda, Jun Reyes, and starting forward Jeffrey Cariaso transferred to other squads during the off-season.

However, the Alaska mentor believes that the Milkmen's "winning tradition" will still tide them through.

"Its very hard to say at this point," said Cone on his team's chances of copping a fifth straight crown. "But we will just play our usual game and continue having the Alaska attitude."

And in the new scheme of things, Cone sees a bigger role for 1996 Most Valuable Player Johnny Abarrientos.

"Now that Johnny (Abarrientos) already won the MVP (award), I expect him to be more assertive," said Cone. "He will be given more responsibility and I expect him to score more."

Cone also predicted that with Bolado's departure from the team, Edward Juinio will blossom into superstar status.

"His (Juinio) role will be crucial," said Cone. "He will have to play more minutes and he must really step up."

The Alaska coach believes that with his team's new acquisition, Rodney Santos, Michael Otto, Dwight Lago, Bryant Punsalan, and Boyet Fernandez, his squad in fact became even more potent talent-wise but it does not necessarily follow that Alaska is now a stronger team.

"Talent-wise, I think we have improved," noted Cone. "But the problem is in camaraderie, they (new Alaska players) are still trying to adjust to the system."

Alaska uses the triangle offense of the NBA's Chicago Bulls, which relies on the cagers' familiarity with each other. In fact, it took the Milkmen over a year before perfecting the play pattern.

"My main men Johnny (Abarrientos) Jojo (Lastimosa), and Bong (Hawkins), must set example to the new guys in incorporating them to our plays," noted Cone.

Cone is particulary bullish on the prospects of Punsalan and Santos. The Milkmen mentor intends to transform the 6-5 Punsalan to be a "better rebounder in the mold of Rey Evangelista and Dennis Rodman" while Santos could take Cariaso's position in the team.

"I have never seen such offensive talent since Johnny (Abarrientos) and Bong Alvarez played for me in 1991," mused Cone on Santos. " However, he (Santos) should work on his defense."

Another factor which could hurt Alaska's chances is the desire, or the lack of it, to win another championship.

It could be remembered that San Miguel Beer, the last team to win a grand slam, lost all of its championships during the 1990 season due to the lack of enthusiasm among its players.

But Cone believes that his team is still hungry.

"I think a ninth straight finals appearance and a fifth straight title is enough motivation for the boys," he opined.

Cone however, admits that it would be rough sailing for his team for the upcoming season especially with the rebuilding of most ballclubs in the league.

``I think the league is even more balanced this year and its gonna be harder for us,'' Cone said as he named Sta. Lucia, Gordon's Gin, and Formula Shell as the teams to watch out for. -NOEL RODRIGUEZ

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