Uichico hopes Daniels the man for Gin Kings

MANILA, Philippines - Having undertaken three import changes, Ginebra coach Jong Uichico is hoping they’ve finally found the right man in Chris Daniels entering the PBA Fiesta Conference playoff phase.

Daniels, the Kings’ latest import recruit taking over from Denham Brown, is doing well in practice but he has yet to prove his worth in actual games.

The former University of Georgia Bulldog debuts with Ginebra as the Kings battle the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in a playoff for the last quarterfinals seat tomorrow at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

“He’s a role player who can defend, rebound and even make shots in the perimeter,” said Uichico of Daniels.

“His presence makes our team more balanced. Hopefully, with him, we can make stops. That’s been our problem,” Uichico added.

The Kings and their new import had more time to familiarize with one another before the pivotal Ginebra-Rain or Shine tomorrow after the league decided not to hold games yesterday. 

“It’s a good break giving Daniels more time to get acclimatized, learn our system and develop chemistry with his teammates,” said Uichico.

The Kings are on a three-game slump while the Elasto Painters are on a two-game run going to their playoff duel.

Rain or Shine has regained its winning ways, taking its last two games versus Air21 and Coca-Cola on the arrival of former Ginebra import Rod Nealy.

Nealy averaged 33.5 points and 16.5 rebounds in those games and could well be a big threat to his former team.

“We have a job cut out for us. They’ve got a pretty good scorer in Nealy, who can also keep pace with their younger players. We have to defend,” said Uichico.

Meanwhile, Eric Menk could well help as he returns from acalf injury. The 6-foot-6 Fil-Am center-forward was absent in the Kings’ last six games.

“Hopefully, the guys can complement one another. Of course, it’s a big help if you can get outright entry into the quarterfinals. It’s tough playing in the wildcards,” said Uichico.

The jury is still out on Daniels, Ginebra’s fourth import in the conference after Awvee Storey, Mildon Ambres and Brown.