16 Dennis Espino
Power Forward / Center
Name: Dennis Espino
Nick Name: Dennis
Monicker: The Menace
Birthday: December 20, 1973
Height: 6′6″
Weight: 215lbs
Position: Power Forward Second position: Center
Jersey No: 16
Year drafted: 1994 selected by Sta. Lucia Realty its first overall pick
Years pro: 14 years
College: University of Santo Tomas
Hobbies: N/A
Hometown: Angeles City , Pampanga
Player’s note: Dennis Espino, a 6-foot-6 banger who loves to play physical basketball, is a cornerstone of the Sta. Lucia franchise.
Being a true professional player since his rookie year, Espino is also the team captain of the team.
After playing under the shadows of Jun Limpot for seven years, Dennis Espino became the heart-and-soul of Sta. Lucia Realty when his celebrated teammate was sent to Ginebra via trade for Marlou Aquino in 2000.
The former UAAP MVP showed signs that he was capable of the responsibility.
The Angeles City native averaged just 11.5 points and 5.1 rebounds per game last season where he was also slowed down by old injuries that gave him just 25.2 minutes a night of exposure.
Espino remains a vital cog in the team’s quest to look for its second PBA title since winning the 2001 Governors Cup.
Achievements: A UAAP MVP; Two-time Mythical Team (2001, 2003); Defensive Player of the Year (2005); 2-time All-Defensive Team (2001, 2005)
Defining moments: Espino had a spectacular 18 points and eight rebounds when Sta. Lucia Realty defeated Alaska , 91-82, in Game 3 of their semifinals series last February 1, 2008.
Espino scored 31 points in a lost against Purefoods, 88-104, during the Gran Matador Brandy-PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum last March 8, 2006.
In March 24, 2006, Espino exploded for 24 points, grabbed 12 rebounds and dished out six assists as Sta. Lucia Realty beat Air21, 102-100.
Espino piloted Sta. Lucia Realty to second title after scoring 29 points — 22 in second half — to lead them to a 100-88 win over Purefoods in Game 7 to claim the 2008 Smart PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum last March 2, 2008.
More about the player: Espino, 33, frontline partner Marlou Aquino and guard Paolo Mendoza are the only three remaining members of the Realtors that won the 2001 Governor’s Cup title.
Espino is a true professional player who shows leadership and maturity not only in actual games but also to daily team’s practices.
Statistics: Despite the entry of Kelly Williams, Espino is still among the team leaders in scoring and rebounding during the 2006-2007 PBA Philippine Cup after averaging 12.8 points and 6.0 rebounds in all games played.
In the 2006-2007 PBA Fiesta Cup, Espino managed only 9.27 points per game, 3.4 rebounds and 1.4 blocks.
Espino finished with 11.1 points per game, 5.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game in all 18 games played during the recent double elimination round of 33rd PBA Smart Philippine Cup.
