Basketball
2011-12 PBA preview: Can small-ball Ginebra go for another crown?
PBA/Nuki Sabio
Coaches: Siot Tanquingcen and Jong Uichico
Assistants: Art dela Cruz, Allan Caidic, Juno Sauler
Lineup: Mike Cortez, Billy Mamaril, Jimbo Aquino, Rob Labagala, JC Intal, KG Canaleta, Jayjay Helterbrand, Yancy de Ocampo, Reil Cervantes, Rico Villanueva, John Wilson, Willy Wilson, Mark Caguioa, Ronald Tubid
Offseason Review: Eric Menk is still injured, while Rudy Hatfield has decided to say goodbye to Philippine basketball for good, leaving Barangay Ginebra with giant-holes up front.
“Eric will miss our first few games and his comeback will depend on how he will respond to the treatment,” said Ginebra co-coach Jong Uichico. “Rudy has decided to stay in the US and found a job there.”
Ginebra management also made the curious move of installing Uichico’s erstwhile assistant, Siot Tanquingcen, as a co-coach. While the two share the same title, Tanquingcen will be the head of the staff and will make final decision.
It’s a setup that sits well with both men, who say that there will be few changes to how the team will be handled.
Ginebra will at least get some reinforcements up front, with Enrico Villanueva figuring to return from a knee injury and rookie Reil Cervantes, the ninth overall pick in the 2011 draft, expected to at least provide some quality minutes.
“He can shoot and he can post up,” said Ginebra assistant Allan Caidic of Cervantes. “Mataas din basketball IQ.”
2009 PBA Most Valuable Player Jayjay Helterbrand also announced prior to the season that this upcoming tournament could be his last, citing personal reasons and injury issues. But his bosom backcourt buddy isn’t giving up hope just yet.
“Hopefully, we have a successful conference, and [Helterbrand would] not think of retiring,” said Caguioa.
Outlook: When Hatfield left before the 2011 PBA Governors’ Cup, Ginebra did not make a trade to fill the power forward’s spot, opting instead to go with a small-ball lineup, utilizing undersize Willy Wilson and wingmen JC Intal and KG Canaleta at the four-spot. Cervantes isn’t expected to play heavy minutes to start the season, so expect even more production to come from the backcourt for Ginebra.
The good news is that the Gin Kings have a hell of a backcourt. Caguioa is coming off a banner season, and should be ready to carry Ginebra every night once more. Mike Cortez and Ronald Tubid are more than solid, while Helterbrand could still contribute.
There’s also good news coming from young turks John Wilson, Jimbo Aquino, and Rob Labagala. Wilson, in particular has impressed the coaching staff, and the former NCAA Most Valuable Player looks like he’s ready to soak up more minutes and play a bigger role for the Gin Kings.
With Tanquingcen and Uichico at the helm, Ginebra will always be competitive because of the coaching duo’s intense game preparation. But it remains to be seen whether the Gin Kings could contend for a title with such a flimsy frontline.
