Beginning the 1991 PBA season, the team let go of its vital cog, Yoyoy Villamin, who was traded along with Ric-ric Marata to Sarsi. Elmer Cabahug was shipped to Purefoods and Alaska acquired the Hotdogs star player Jojo Lastimosa in return as he will team up with Paul Alvarez in which coach Tim Cone describes as unbeatable tandem. Alaska signed their two first round picks in the rookie draft, Alex Araneta and Eugene Quilban and their third rookie, Rhoel Gomez. There were criticisms on some of Alaska's moves during the off-season as they say experience was supposed to win championships instead of the fountain of youth.