The Unbelievable Run: Red Bull’s Shocking 2001 Commissioner’s Cup Triumph

 In 2001, the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) witnessed one of its most unexpected and electrifying storylines — the rise of the Batang Red Bull Energizers, a young, gritty franchise that refused to bow to the giants. What began as a dream turned into destiny, as Red Bull defied odds, toppled powerhouses, and ultimately captured their first-ever PBA championship in franchise history.

The Road to Redemption

Just months before their historic run, Red Bull’s season ended in heartbreak. They fell to the San Miguel Beermen — the eventual champions — in a do-or-die game during the 2001 Philippine Cup Quarterfinals. But instead of crumbling, that defeat forged a fire that would define their next campaign.

Heading into the 2001 Commissioner’s Cup, Red Bull was no longer the league’s wide-eyed newcomers. They had proven they could compete with the best. Reinforced by Antonio Lang, a former Duke Blue Devil and NBA journeyman, the Energizers entered the tournament with renewed confidence and a burning desire to rewrite their story.

And rewrite it, they did.

A Statement Run

Red Bull charged through the elimination round with a 6-3 record, good for third place and a twice-to-beat advantage in the playoffs. In the Quarterfinals, they dismantled Barangay Ginebra, 82-70 — a win that sent a message to the league: this was no fluke.

Next came the semifinals against Purefoods, another heavyweight. The series was a grueling test of willpower. Purefoods took Game 1 with ease, but Red Bull roared back with two straight wins. After dropping a nail-biter in Game 4, they showed championship poise in the decider, winning Game 5, 87-77, and booking their first-ever trip to the PBA Finals.

But standing in their way was the ultimate challenge — the reigning dynasty, San Miguel Beermen, who were chasing their fourth straight championship.

David vs. Goliath

The Beermen were stacked: veterans, experience, and a star import in Nate Johnson, a former Louisville standout. Red Bull, meanwhile, had heart, hustle, and a hunger to prove they belonged. The 2001 Commissioner’s Cup Finals was set — a clash between the league’s most dominant team and its most defiant underdogs.

Game 1 was a statement of resilience. Red Bull trailed by ten heading into the fourth quarter, but a furious rally capped by a 7-0 run stole the win, 80-78.
Game 2 was even wilder. After another sluggish first half, Red Bull exploded for a 31-point third quarter, blowing San Miguel off the floor and taking a commanding 2-0 series lead. Tempers flared — frustration boiled over as San Miguel’s Nic Belasco committed a hard foul on Lang — but Red Bull’s composure held firm.

San Miguel struck back in Game 3 and Game 4, evening the series at 2-2. The tides seemed to be turning. To make matters worse, Red Bull lost Junthy Valenzuela, their fiery guard, after a flagrant foul ejection in Game 4. But true to their identity, Red Bull refused to fold.

The Heart of Champions

Game 5 turned into a defensive war. Every possession felt like a fistfight. In the dying seconds, Willie Miller came up with the defensive stop of his life, denying Nate Johnson’s potential game-tying shot as Red Bull escaped, 79-77, to take a pivotal 3-2 series lead.

In Game 6, the Energizers were one win away from immortality. Both teams traded blows all night, but in the final minutes, Red Bull’s grit and discipline shone through. Leading 70-69, Red Bull clamped down on defense, holding San Miguel scoreless in the final stretch. Lang sealed it at the line with clutch free throws. The buzzer sounded. The scoreboard read 75-69.

Red Bull had done it. The underdogs had slain the dynasty.
The Batang Red Bull Energizers were PBA champions.

Champions at Last

Pandemonium erupted. For coach Yeng Guiao, it was vindication — another expansion franchise led to glory, another testament to his fiery brilliance. For Antonio Lang, it was redemption — he earned Best Import honors and silenced doubters. And for Davonn Harp, the Finals MVP, it was the crowning moment of his blossoming career.

But beyond the accolades, Red Bull’s triumph was symbolic. They became the first team ever to win both a PBL and PBA championship, cementing their place in Philippine basketball history.

Legacy of the Energizers

The 2001 Red Bull championship wasn’t just about winning a trophy — it was about belief. It was about a team of grinders, led by a coach who demanded toughness and unity, standing tall against a basketball empire.

They were never supposed to win.
They were supposed to learn. To grow. To wait their turn.

But that year, Red Bull didn’t wait — they took destiny by the horns.
And in doing so, they forever energized the hearts of every underdog who dared to dream