First Step Towards Change

"Cortez to Air 21, Taha to Ginebra." This was the headline that resounded over forums and Ginebra fan sites yesterday.

This development was both a sad and good news for the millions of Ginebra fanatics. Sad because Mike Cortez was such an integral part of the Ginebra rotation over the last couple of years. Who could not forget his triple double performance during the B-Meg-Ginebra knockout game. The Cool Cat ably manned the point guard position during the time of JJ's absence and partnered well with MC47. He also brought a lot of intangibles to the team. He will surely be missed.

On the other side, the acquisition of rookie Yousef Taha brings a welcome relief to the front court of the Kings. With only Billy Mamaril as its legitimate center, Kerby Raymundo was forced to play out of his comfort zone which is the power forward position. Taha is 6'7", young, energetic, and can bring a lot of hustle to Ginebra. More importantly, he will address the team's immediate need for a big man.

Now that management has finally addressed the lack of a big man, Barangay Ginebra fans are hoping that this would be the start of a resurgence for the team. The development is timely because it can make BGSM competitive with the other teams. With a 2-5 standing, Ginebra is languishing in the cellar and in danger of missing the playoffs, something which they have not experienced for a while.

The lack of big man is just one of the many problems hounding the team. Although this would add to the team chemistry issue, at least it would give the Kings something to look forward to. Now, management should focus on initiating perhaps the biggest change the team needs and that is a new system. The Ginebra roster is deep and talented but all these talents become wasted under the current system. Just ask the guys who have gone to other teams. Cortez becomes the latest sacrificial lamb and many more will follow unless the system is abolished.

So I say "Good luck and thank you Cool Cat." Hopefully, this would be the first of many other changes.