Before their historic performance in the 1978 Season of the PBA, the Universal Textiles Wranglers’ finest finish in the still infant play-for-pay league was runner up in 1977. The team was handled by rookie coach Tommy Manotoc, then better known as a topnotch golfer.
The 1978 PBA Second Conference champions U-Tex Wranglers with coach Tommy Manotoc (extreme left, standing) and Mythical Five member Lim Eng Beng (third from left, front row). At the back of the trophy is defense specialist Rudolf "Boy" Kutch. Other members of the team were Anthonly Dasalla, Boy Mora, Rudy Hines, Jimmy Noblezada, Ed Camus, Etok Lobo, Romeo Frank, Romy Cabading, Ricky Pineda, Roy Deles, Snake Jones and Glen McDonald. Photo from EDDIE ALINEA's file