Kings get another shot at PBA title
Ginebra gets shot at PBA title after 3 years
Is this the last ride for the Fast and the Furious?
With time fast catching up with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s Mark Caguioa and Jayjay Helterbrand, the Ginebra faithful could be witnessing the swan song for the Kings’ celebrated backcourt.
If this is the last, the stage is perfect as Caguioa and Helterbrand now has a chance to snap an eight-year championship drought for the popular squad after Ginebra clinched a finals berth by knocking out San Miguel Beer in their semifinal series in the PBA Governors’ Cup.
“Man, I don’t know. I’m just… like me and him, we’re looking at each other over there and we just can’t believe that we’re here,” said Caguioa, who even hugged his teammate and best friend with less than three minutes to play with Ginebra already ahead by a mile in Game 5.
Ginebra’s 117-92 win over SMB propelled the popular team to its first stint since losing to Alaska during the 2013 Commissioner’s Cup. They will face ‘surprising’ finalist Meralco in a best-of-seven showdown starting tomorrow at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The squad will aim for its first title in eight years, or since the squad bagged the 2008 Fiesta Cup with import Chris Alexander by beating Air21 in Game 7. Interestingly, the remaining members of that championship team are Caguioa and Helterbrand – league MVPs in 2012 and 2009, respectively.
Aside from the 2008 Fiesta Cup championship, the two players were part of Ginebra’s successful
run during the 2004 Fiesta Cup title, 2005 and 2007 Philippine Cup crowns under coaches Siot Tanquingcen and Jong Uichico.
Ginebra picked the now 39-yearold Helterbrand as a direct hire in 2000, and then selected Caguioa, 36, with the 3rd overall pick in the 2001 Rookie Draft.
Their bond then strengthened over the years.
That is why emotions ran high after the team clinched a finals spot.
Add to that the prospect of Helterbrand considering retirement at the end of the season.
“When he retires, and then there were none,” said Caguioa. “That’s why we gave each other a big hug… we’ve been here since the beginning. Nagpalit ng mga coach, ng mga players, pero nandito pa rin kami.”
A smiling Helterbrand said: “The last of the Mohicans” and added in reference to a popular catchphrase of ‘The Fast and The Furious’ film, “One last ride,’ just like the movie.”