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.