Prior to the season the Slashers were merged with the Iloilo Megavoltz as part of the league's streamlining operations. But unlike other merged teams that had strong lineups (Manila-Batangas had the strongest roster), the Slashers did not took in any players from the Megavoltz team as it disbanded. However, they were able to sign up former Iloilo Megavoltz player Michael Almonte as a free agent. The team also released Alvin Teng. The decision was made owing to his sub-par performance during Game 4 of the MBA Championship Series against the San Juan Knights in 2000 (he was pulled out of that game, sat on the bench, untied his shoelaces and donned his practice jersey), and for not showing up in the following game (he actually called-in sick and did not play).