Will Ginebra Win The Gold?

(Photo by: The Benchwarmers)



Barangay Ginebra San Miguel has been a laughing stock in the PBA for almost a decade after failing to win a championship since 2008. The squad underwent shocking changes ranging from players to the management in the past few years. It is quite evident that Ginebra's problem has been the ability of the players to gel into the system. Chemistry is nonexistent making the games harder to win. However, the tables might just turn for Ginebra with the acquisition of two-time Grand Slam coach Tim Cone.

Cone who spearheaded the 1996 Alaska Aces and the 2014 San Mig Coffee Mixers was shifted to Ginebra earlier this month to change the fortunes of the team. The multi-titled coach who is widely known for his triangle offense will surely make Ginebra a force to be reckoned with next season.

The Ramon Ang-based squad is loaded with talents but the ability to utilize every players potential has been a dilemma for the management. Former Ginebra player James Forrester who made waves in the NCAA was put on the deep end of the bench failing to register a well-rounded output which resulted to a trade to Barako Bull earlier this season. The offensive load has been carried much by Mark Caguioa and Greg Slaughter which is not bad either but the role players should play a good amount of time in order to adjust with level of play in the PBA.

On the other hand, the triangle offense will surely make Ginebra a threat next conference. Twin towers Greg Slaughter and Japeth Aguilar will be the focal point of the offense and both guys are really tough to stop down low. If Slaughter can assert his presence inside and improve his shooting stroke, he might just contend for next year's Most Valuable Player Award.

Mark Caguioa and Jayjay Helterbrand will have their hands full on the neophytes as they try to make the transition even smoother for them. Caguioa and Helterbrand have already passed Father time and it's now the right moment to teach the younger guys in the team. Although they can still produce on any given night, we might see the last few years of one of the most explosive duos in PBA history.

Once it's all said and done, it would LA Tenorio's team. Tenorio who hasn't performed very well last season is expected to bounce back from a lackluster year. Is Tenorio ready to take the spotlight from Caguioa and Helterbrand? Well, yes he is. The national team member has the tools on becoming the next Jimmy Alapag. He has a nice shot from the outside with a good defensive awareness inside the court. His good knows for the physicality in the league will surely make him the face of the PBA. He doesn't back down from any challenges and it is the mark of a true leader.

Despite, the immense potential of this team I still think that they will struggle next conference. However, Ginebra will surely make some adjustments to reach the gold before the 41st Season ends making themselves as top contender for the prestigious Championship trophy.

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