Ginebra puts ‘Spark’ back in active duty

source: Musong R. Castillo | sports.inquirer.net

There will be a fearsome figure joining Barangay Ginebra Wednesday night—at least during the round robin.

Gunslinger Mark Caguioa has been reactivated by the Gin Kings in time for their crucial clash with Talk ‘N Text, but coach Jong Uichico said he does not see his superstar swingman actually playing even as the jockeying for outright spots in the KFC PBA Philippine Cup playoffs intensifies at the Araneta Coliseum.

“We would want to find opportunities for him to get some minutes,” Uichico told the Inquirer over the phone after the Kings informed league offices that it has placed Doug Kramer on the injured list to activate Caguioa.

“If those opportunities arise, then he will play,” Uichico added. “If they don’t, no problem.”

Caguioa’s mere presence, though, could fire up the Gin Kings and the Barangay Ginebral faithful.

The “Spark” saw action in the first two games of the Kings before hurting his left knee. He was out of commission for close to three months but started practicing before the holidays.

Ginebra is at 9-6 (win-loss) and trails the Texters by half a game for third spot. The Kings have three games left in their schedule and need to win at least two to assure themselves of advancing to the quarterfinals outright.

For the Texters, a win Wednesday night will enable them to keep their slim outright semifinal hopes alive as they trail second-running San Miguel by a full two games with also three assignments left in their schedule.

Meanwhile, Sta. Lucia starts its uphill climb to the quarterfinals when the Realtors battle Rain or Shine in the 5 p.m. contest.

The Realtors are at 7-6, and a sweep could even make them a contender for an automatic place in the Final Four if everything goes awry for the league-leading Alaska Aces and San Miguel.

Ronald Tubid will continue to be the focal point of the Ginebra offense as the team continues to await the full recovery of Caguioa and the return of reigning MVP Jayjay Helterbrand and Junthy Valenzuela—two more Kings on the injured list.

Mac Cardona, the league’s leading scorer, Jimmy Alapag and Ranidel de Ocampo will be the main men for the Texters.

Games January 6 (Araneta Coliseum)
2:30PM — Smart-Gilas vs Purefoods
5:00PM — Sta. Lucia vs Rain or Shine
7:30PM — Talk ’N Text vs Ginebra