MANILA, Philippines – Following Brgy. Ginebra's disgraceful exit in the PBA Commissioner's Cup, die-hard fans are clamoring for a Big J comeback.
Spin.ph first reported that there are exploratory talks ongoing between Robert Jaworski and San Miguel Corporation top honcho Ramon S. Ang for a possible coaching comeback at Brgy. Ginebra.
But Jaworski's close friend and PR man Reli de Leon has shut down the rumor that there is an ongoing negotiation. However, he did not close the door on Big J's return to his old team in the near future.
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"Let's just wait what will come next. Bobby (Jaworski) is still in the United States. The last time RSA (Ramon S. Ang) and Jaworski met was last Jan. 14. And they didn't discuss any comeback plan at that time," De Leon told Philstar.com on Thursday. "They didn't have the chance to meet again after that."
Jaworski, the acknowledged father of the "Never Say Die" spirit of the PBA's most popular ballclub, made a rare appearance last Feb. 11 at the Big Dome. He visited the Kings' locker room and his short pep talk inspired Ginebra to a spirited comeback in the second half to force a Game 7 of their semifinals series against eventual champion San Mig Coffee Mixers.
Brgy. Ginebra last won a PBA championship in 2008. They returned to the Finals in the PBA Commissioner's Cup last season under coach Alfrancis Chua, who is now the current team manager, but got swept by the Alaska Aces.
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Despite a massive buildup during the off-season, the Kings have failed to live up to the expectations. They lost in the semifinals of the last Philippine Cup despite owning the top seed then spiraled down to no. 8 this conference and eventually got booted out by Talk n Text in the quarterfinals.
Jaworski is scheduled to return to the Philippines next week, but there is no meeting calendared yet between him and Ang. But De Leon is hoping that his good friend will soon revive Ginebra's never say die spirit.
"As a PBA and Ginebra fan, I have the same hope that it will happen... within this year," De Leon said.