Hats Off To The Champion of the People

 
Once again, Ginebra failed in its bid to win its ninth title losing to the Aces in three games. 23,406 fans trooped to the Big Dome last night bracing for another "Ginebra miracle." The first three quarters gave Ginebra diehards a ray of hope as their outside shots were clicking. Their defense was also solid. The likes of LA Tenorio, who earlier won the Best Player of the Conference, and 2009 MVP Jayjay Helterbrand were killing the Aces from downtown. Chris Ellis' inside incursion was also working for Ginebra.

But as soon as the Aces turned their offense and defense a notch higher, things started to fall apart for Ginebra. Alaska limited the Kings to just eight points enroute to a 104-80 win and recording only the eighth sweep in a Best-of-5 series. For Ginebra, a runner-up finish is already an accomplishment considering all the adversities the team has gone through.

Barangay Ginebra started 0-4 with Herbert Hill as their import. Vernon Macklin came in and led the Kings to a six-game winning streak. But just when things were starting to hum for Ginebra, Mark Caguioa went down with an MCL injury. Luckily, other locals such as LA Tenorio, Mac Baracael, and JJ Helterbrand stepped up big time. However, the Kings ended their eliminations with a two-game losing streak.


The road to the Finals was not easy for Ginebra. As the 7th-seeded team, they had to beat the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters twice and that they did. In the semifinals against Talk n Text, they again needed to come from behind to beat Talk n Text 3-2 to arrange a date with Alaska in the Finals.

Bad news struck Ginebra once again as Vernon Macklin suffered a bruised right thigh which got banged up in the Talk n Text series. Not wanting to disappoint the team and its legion of fans, V-Mack played through the pain which somehow limited his movement. That development left Ginebra vulnerable to Dozier and Thoss' inside incursions.

Considering all the odds that Ginebra had to go through during the entire conference, their stint in the Finals is already an accomplishment. A runner-up finish is better than nothing at all. 2nd place is the next step to a championship. As they say, never underestimate the heart of a champion. Like a wounded tiger, Ginebra will always come back hungrier and tougher. Ginebra's time will come. For us Ginebra fans, that will be the day. Anyway, BGSM will always be the champion in our hearts. Thank you Ginebra for a great ride and can't wait to see you go for the crown again next conference.

Destiny Beckons Ginebra

After a 0-5 start, who would ever thought that Barangay Ginebra San Miguel would still make it to the Finals? Yes, the Kings may be turning heads right now especially with the misfortunes and challenges that they overcame before making it to the Finals.

Things did not auger well for Ginebra at the start of the conference. Despite a lackluster performance from original import Herbert Hill during the pre-conference, management decided to stick with Hill and give him a chance to prove himself. However, after three games, BGSM thought it best to give Herbert the pink slip and brought in former Detroit Pistons Vernon Macklin.

V-Mack lost his first game against Alaska but then powered Ginebra to a six-game winning streak. Slowly but surely, the Kings got themselves out of the cellar. But just when things are starting to look bright for BGSM, Mark Caguioa went down with an MCL injury. Once again, everyone started to doubt Ginebra's chances for this conference.

With the likes of Kerby Raymundo, Cris Ellis, Mac Barracael and of course, V-Mack, Ginebra advanced to the quarterfinals stage as the 7th seed. But the road to the championship will not be easy as they faced a twice-to-beat disadvantage against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. With their never-say-die spirit in tow and with the vintage performance of Jayjay Helterbrand, Ginebra brought the series into a do-or-die second game.

In the second game, V-Mack's pressured pack free throws sealed the deal for the Kings sending Ginebra to the semifinals against the Talk n Text Tropang Texters. It was another come from behind victory for Ginebra proving that they are still the "Never Say Die" team.

In the semis, Ginebra faces yet another daunting task. They need to beat the championship caliber team Talk n Text who have been in this stage of the tournament nine times before. The task is more daunting as they need to overcome the Texters without their main man Mark Caguioa.

Ginebra won the first game 104-81 but lost the next two. Once again, BGSM is in a familiar situation of winning two games to advance to the Finals. For the second time this conference, Ginebra's "never-say-die"spirit prevailed as they came back strong to beat Talk n Text in Games 4and 5.

Ginebra next faces the no.1 team this conference, the Alaska Aces. It is not going to be easy once again as Alaska is also keen on winning their 14th title. To overcome this challenge, they need to once again summon their inner strength. V-Mack, LA Tenorio, Jayjay Helterbrand, and the rest of the Kings must once again step up big time.

Is Barangay Ginebra San Miguel destined to win their ninth championship? The team and its legion of fans are all very hungry for another title. Nobody expected them to be in this stage considering their 0-5 start. They have overcome all the odds to be in this position. Now, they must once again surpass another obstacle to finally end their title drought.