HoopWatch
04
After all the hype, after all the swagger and after all the struggles, powerhouse Ginebra Gin Kings finally is on top the PBA (Philippine Basketball Association) standings with a 10-4 record.
Just before season started, experts have picked on the Gin Kings to go all the way in the Philippine Cup. Forward Rudy Hatfield boldly pronounced that the “tournament was over†from the very start. And spitfire star guard Mark Caguioa even boasted that he would run around naked if his Ginebra team won’t make it to the Finals.
They started the tournament thrashing newcomer Welcoat Dragons on opening night. But it was downhill from there as they lost four games to the likes of last year’s finalist Red Bull and a reinforced San Miguel team following a blockbuster trade.
Then last night, Ginebra woke up from its slumber just in time, to come from 16 points down to repulse an unpredictable and tall Air21 Express team, 116-105.
Caguioa was brilliant in the second half, scoring 19 out of his 35 points. Starting point guard Jayjay Helterbrand, who only averages 9.5 points a ballgame, finally had his breakout game last night with a 25 point, 11 assist performance. The Gin Kings also showed their might inside with their big men having a 16-rebound advantage over the Express bigs. 2004-05 PBA MVP Eric Menk had 15 points and 6 rebounds, center Rafi Reavis dominated the glass with 17 caroms along with 10 markers, and Hatfield added 13 points and 13 rebounds.
Gary David, who was out last season due to an injury, spearheaded Air 21’s attack with 28 points, while guard Wynne “The Snatcher†Arboleda added 21 points and four steals.
Ginebra is followed by Red Bull, San Miguel and former frontrunner Sta. Lucia in the standings. They all have similar 9-5 records. (pics courtesy of pba.com.ph)
One Response to “Ginebra Finally Living Up To Expectations”
I used to be a Ginebra fan when I was still watching the local PBA games on TV. Actually I was even an Toyota fan when I was a small kid way way before 
It’s nice to know they’re still alive and kicking. How’s baranggay Ginebra? Are they still around?
Barangay Ginebra is currently doing well, and is on top of the standings with a 10-4 record. They are huge, after that Coca-Cola trade. They added big men 6-8 Rafi Reavis, 6-4 Rudy Hatfield and 6-6 Billy Mamaril to their already huge frontline of 6-6 Eric Menk, 6-7 Mike Holper and 6-9 Andy Seigle. Although, they lost 6-6 Rommel Adducul thru trade, they added more back court fire power by acquiring energy-filled guard Ronald Tubid. Add three-point hot shots Sunday Salvacion and Mark Macapagal, and the duo of the “Fast and the Furious,” Jayjay Helterbrand and Mark Caguioa to the mix, and we see a complete team, a definite title contender. Not to mention the ever growing Ginebra crowd, they always have the “home court advantage” in each and every game. It would be a big disappointment if they are not crowned as champions this year.
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