MANILA, Philippines—So far, Jong Uichico is having none of the problems that besieged his Barangay Ginebra crew in the last PBA tournament.
“So far, so good,” Uichico told the Inquirer Wednesday, shortly after a practice game against Rain or Shine.
Although his boys lost by four points, Uichico was upbeat of his Gin Kings’ chances in the coming Fiesta Conference because all his stars are healthy so far.
“I just hope it stays that way,” added the multi-titled mentor, who is gunning for a second win in three years in the import-flavored, season-ending event with reinforcement Awvee Storey.
Reigning MVP Jayjay Helterbrand and Mark Caguioa, Ginebra’s heart and soul who sat out majority of the Philippine Cup because of varying leg injuries, are now 100-percent fit and Uichico made it no secret that the duo will again play a great role in the Kings’ coming stint.
Ginebra won this tournament two years ago with a 7-foot reinforcement in Chris Alexander, a gem of an import unveiled by the Kings who are hoping that they have found another diamond in the rough in Storey.
“He’s not flashy, but he is very hardworking and he is very effective,” Uichico said, even as he expressed some sort of disappointment that he wasn’t able to land Alex Cabagnot from Air21 to address his backcourt need.
The soft-spoken coach is also confident that he can give Yancy De Ocampo a second wind in his career.
“I know what they (experts) have been saying, that Yancy is slow and that Yancy is lazy and all of those things,” Uichico said. “But to me, he is a player that complements what the team already has.”
Meanwhile, only three returning imports are in the official list—Gabriel Freeman of the defending champion San Miguel Beermen, burly Jai Lewis of Rain or Shine and Coca-Cola’s James Penny.
Alaska will parade wiry NBA D-League standout Diamon Simpson, Talk ‘N Text will have Eric Hicks and Air21 will be bannered by Larry Hickerson.
Source: Musong R. Castillo, Philippine Daily Inquirer
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