Ginebra’s upbeat mood - SPORTING CHANCE by Joaquin M. Henson

Since taking over the Barangay Ginebra coaching reins in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors Cup last year, Allan Caidic hasn’t slept soundly at night.

His baptism of fire was a scorcher. Ginebra raced to a 0-7 record in Caidic’s first conference in charge and stumbled to the finish line toting a 1-8 record, its only win an 80-76 decision over Pop Cola. Ginebra made it to the quarters but lost an 80-74 verdict to Purefoods to miss out on the semis. In the offseason, Ginebra underwent a major personnel revamp as Caidic brought in five fresh faces — Jun Limpot, Roland Magtulis, Alex Crisano, Jayjay Helterbrand, and Banjo Calpito — and sent Marlou Aquino and Benny Cheng to Sta. Lucia Realty.

With their new face on, the Kings opened the All-Filipino Cup on a high note, picking up two straight wins. Ginebra beat Shell, 71-68, in a playoff for the last quarters ticket but couldn’t advance to the semis, bowing to Tanduay in the twice-to-beat series. The Kings wound up at 6-10.

In the Commissioner’s Cup, Ginebra got off to a horrible 0-5 start then strung up four consecutive wins behind import Ryan Fletcher. A 90-89 loss to San Miguel Beer in the quarters ended Ginebra’s campaign at 4-6.

Entering the Third Conference, Caidic’s record was 11-24 and he still hasn’t coached in the semis. The good news is he’s only four wins shy of surpassing Ginebra’s total victories last year.

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San Miguel Beer dealt Ginebra a rude 94-72 welcome in the ongoing Governors Cup last Oct. 4. But the Kings stormed back to give Sta. Lucia a scare before dropping a 99-93 decision. Then, Ginebra came close to victory again, losing to Red Bull, 91-86, for its third successive setback. Brian Green, replacing Roy Hammonds, reinforced the Kings against Red Bull and delivered 36 points to bring a ray of hope for the future.

Last Wednesday, Green unloaded 47 points as Ginebra roared to a 101-90 lacing of Purefoods to finally break into the win column. It was a heroic performance by Green who bucked a throbbing pain near his hip in the first quarter to fire up the Kings. Green had the fans howling as he unraveled Jordanesque moves to stamp his class as probably the league’s most spectacular import this season.

Now that the Kings are over the hump, Ginebra’s PBA Board representative Casiano (Jun) Cabalan said he’s hoping things will get better and better. Green was in terrible pain during the Purefoods game, confirmed Cabalan, but he wouldn’t be denied. He had therapy and was excused from practice last Thursday.

Team manager Ira Maniquis said the outlook is bright for Ginebra. "We’re two to three players away from being a champion team," said Maniquis who recently took a seat on the Kings bench. "We’re still in the process of rebuilding. In one or two years, we’ll be a lot more competitive."

Maniquis said he agrees with consultant Ron Jacobs’ assessment that Ginebra today is like the 1997 San Miguel team that listed Nelson Asaytono, Olsen Racela, Freddie Abuda, Art de la Cruz, and Mike Mustre. In 1997, San Miguel had a pair of third place finishes. In 1998, the Beermen introduced Danny Ildefonso and finished second twice. And last year, San Miguel signed up Danny Seigle and bagged two conference crowns. Maniquis said he foresees the same progress in Ginebra’s chart.

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Green, of course, will play a major role in fueling Ginebra’s drive. While he takes away minutes from some key locals, Green more than compensates with his all-court brilliance. Besides, Caidic has done a good job of adjusting roles to suit Green’s style.

"The guys get along with Brian," said Maniquis. "At practice, coach and Brian sometimes shoot it out. They pick three spots from around the three-point circle and take 10 shots each. Last time out, Brian beat Allan, two to one."

Maniquis said Hammonds took the news of his release like a man. "I’m sure he was hurt but what could he do?" continued Maniquis. "No problem, he told me, as long as it was for the good of the team."

Hammonds, however, didn’t leave immediately. He thought of visiting Cebu and even went to a Marikina shoe factory, exploring a possible business tie-up. Hammonds found out a $200 pair in the US could be manufactured here to specifications for P1,800. A source said San Miguel import Lamont Strothers has his shoes made to order in Marikina and always brings back a bundle to the U.S., some for sale.

If Ginebra is to make headway this conference, the locals must step up. Green can’t do it alone. The Kings wouldn’t have won over Purefoods last Wednesday if Limpot didn’t contribute 18 points, if Verge Meneses didn’t dish out five assists, if Bal David and Crisano didn’t chip in nine points apiece, if Magtulis didn’t sacrifice his body in playing physical defense on Derrick Brown, and so on. It’s no secret that teamwork wins games but it sure helps if an import like Green is around to lead the charge.

Expect fans to troop to the Big Dome today to watch Green in action against Tanduay. Suddenly, the Barangay is rocking and rolling again. To Caidic’s relief, his sleepless nights may be coming to an end.