ALL EYES ON GINEBRA
Austria brands Kings as team to beat
This early, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel is being tagged as the team to beat in the 46th Season of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) that starts on 9 April. San Miguel Beer coach Leo Austria yesterday said the Kings are still expected to reign in the upcoming season due to their solid core, seasoned players and flawless chemistry.
Led by the league’s most successful coach in Tim Cone, the Kings claimed the Philippine Cup title last year bannered by the veteran group of Japeth Aguilar, Stanley Pringle, LA Tenorio and Jared Dillinger with young guns Scottie Thompson, Jerrick Balanza and Prince Caperal.
The Kings were so dominant last year that Pringle emerged as Best Player of the Conference, Tenorio as Most Valuable Player of the Finals and Caperal as Most Improved Player while Aguilar claimed a spot in the Mythical Team.
Sources reported that Filipino-German banger Christian Standhardinger is headed for Ginebra in exchange for Greg Slaughter, who had “soul-searching” in the United States last year.
Ginebra is the only squad in the San Miguel Corp. umbrella that has yet to make an off-season move.
San Miguel made the first deal when it acquired CJ Perez from Terrafirma in exchange for Matt Ganuelas-Rosser, Russel Escoto, Gelo Alolinoandthetopoverallpickinthe upcoming Annual Rookie Draft while Magnolia tabbed Calvin Abueva after shipping Chris Banchero and a pair of draft choices to Phoenix Super LPG.
According to a Daily Tribune source, the transfer of Standhardinger to the Kings is already a “done deal” and it’s only a matter of time before the league formally approves the transaction.
Still, with or without Standhardinger, Austria sees Ginebra as a strong force to be reckoned with in the upcoming season.
“I think it’s still Ginebra because they already proved that they are a strong team with or without an import,” Austria said in a telephone conversation.
“Actually, there are a lot of teams that got stronger this off-season, but from how I see it, it’s still Ginebra which we should keep an eye on.”
Despite playing down their chances, Austria’s squad is also coming in with solid lineup.
I think it’s still Ginebra because they already proved that they are a strong team with or without an import.
Perez will join a loaded backcourt rotation that has Alex Cabagnot, Chris Ross and Marcio Lassiter with Arwind Santos, Moala Tautaa and June Mar Fajardo, who is expected to make a return from a gruesome leg injury next season.
“Many would say that our team is strong with Marcio, Arwind and Chris and the other guys leading us. But we really have to work hard to get back our game,” he said, adding that the Kings are walking with a bullseye on their backs, especially with Tenorio running the plays.
“I think the core of Ginebra is still as strong with LA leading the team, there’s nothing that could really go wrong, to be honest,” Austria said.
“I’m sure teams are now working on ways on how to beat or at least match Ginebra. They set the mark this upcoming season.”