Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation acquired the franchise of the famed Crispa Redmanizers in 1985 for a reported sum of two million pesos.

In its debut season, the team was known as Shell Azodrin Bugbusters under head coach Freddie Webb, with several Crispa players, including Philip Cezar and Bernie Fabiosa, in addition to a former Crispa Redmanizer William "Bogs" Adornado from Great Taste and Rey Lazaro from Yco-Tanduay forming its roster.

Diliman standouts Ronnie Magsanoc and Benjie Paras to solidify Shell as one of the more popular teams in the pro league.

[3] Former Toyota mentor Dante Silverio was also responsible for transforming Shell to a championship-caliber ballclub with back-to-back runner-up finishes.

Their final championship came during the 1999 PBA All-Filipino Conference defeating heavy favorite Tanduay Rhum in six games.

[8][9] Shell was bannered by Paras, Gerry Esplana, Victor Pablo, Chris Jackson and Noy Castillo as one of their primary players under head coach Perry Ronquilio.

Tony Dela Cruz and Rich Alvarez were dealt to the Alaska Aces while Ronald Tubid was sent to the Air21 Express.