Urbiztondo to boost Caguioa-less Ginebra backcourt

MANILA, Philippines -- Streak shooter Josh Urbiztondo is excited and honored to join Ginebra San Miguel, the PBA's most popular ballclub after his transfer from the ousted Barako Bull Energy Colas was approved on Thursday.

Urbiztondo, who had his most productive conference in his four-year pro career, was acquired by the Kings at the end of eliminations in exchange of rookie Keith Jensen and a future second round pick. 

Ginebra will be Urbiztondo's fourth team in his four-year PBA career after the defunct Sta. Lucia Realty, Air21, Bmeg (now San Mig Coffee) and Barako Bull. The fiery playmaker nicknamed The Fireball has averaged 12.7 points, 4.1 rebounds and 5.6 assists for the Energy Colas this conference.

The undrafted point guard, who blossomed under Rajko Toroman early in this conference only to fall out of favor in the latter part with the emergence of rookie Emman Monfort, took to Twitter to express his gratitude to his former team Barako Bull and his excitement to join the Kings.

Urbiztondo was set to have his first practice with the Kings Thursday morning and will only have two days to learn coach Alfrancis Chua's system before the team's quarterfinals meeting against second seed Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on Saturday.  He is expected to boost Ginebra backcourt that is still missing the injured Mark Caguioa.

Urbiztondo is likely to play back-up to Ginebra's starting point guard LA Tenorio or could play alongside him as Chua had done in Ginebra's recent games with the shorter Rob Labagala.