Ginebra to dish out old fighting spirit in new jersey

MANILA, Philippines - Barangay Ginebra San Miguel hopes to bank again on its never-say-die spirit as the Gin Kings go all out to contend for no less than the championship in the 38th PBA season firing off Sept. 30 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Gin Kings, led by head coach Siot Tanquingcen, graced a pre-season press launch that also coincided with the unveiling of their new game jersey at the Gateway Suites in Cubao yesterday.

“The popularity of the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel team was built on the never-say-die spirit. We carry the hopes and dreams of every Ginebra basketball fan on our shoulders and we hope we can count on their support again for the coming games,” said Tanquingcen.

The team includes 2012 MVP Mark Caguioa, Jayjay Helterbrand, Erik Menk, Rudy Hatfield, Mike Cortez, Allein Maliksi, Kerby Raymundo, Willie Wilson, Billy Mamaril, Dylan Ababou, Rico Maierhofer and Robert Labagala.

Tanquingcen also introduced new recruits LA Tenorio, Chris Ellis, Keith Jensen and Elmer Espiritu who will play key roles in bringing the Ginebra team to championship form.

“We’ve added players who will fit well into our system. We know that team chemistry is a must so we are building on what we had the previous season,” added Tanquingcen.

Ginebra San Miguel, Inc. (GSMI) marketing manager Nelson Elises said Barangay Ginebra San Miguel will always be a strong marketing complement to the Ginebra San Miguel brand, the world’s number one selling gin.