MANILA, Philippines – The Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings have yet to put together a winning streak in the 2016-17 PBA Philippine Cup, as the perennial crowd favorites have instead groped for inconsistency in what has been an up-and-down conference.
Quirks in their schedule have denied Ginebra a chance to build momentum, and a long break did not work to their advantage, either.
They memorably beat rivals Star in the Manila Clasico last Christmas, but after a two-week break, they fell short against sister team San Miguel, 70-72, last Sunday.
Big man Japeth Aguilar, for his part, cited a need for more "fluidity," noting that at times, they veer away from their system.
Sophomore guard Scottie Thompson, however, sees another reason. He believes that even up to now, the Gin Kings are still missing the presence of import Justin Brownlee, who helped Ginebra win the 2016 PBA Governors' Cup.
"Siguro, sa mga personal na sa amin, siguro maraming adjustments kasi unang-una, dati si Justin, andoon para sa amin," he said.
"Ngayon, talagang wala si Justin, so kailangan namin mag-take over. Siguro, 'yun 'yung medyo magulo sa team ngayon, 'yung role namin sa isa't isa," he further explained.
Brownlee was a massive presence for Ginebra in the Governors' Cup. While he will forever be remembered for his game-winning three-pointer against Meralco in Game 6 of the Finals, he was a force for the Gin Kings on both ends of the floor, and Ginebra is surely missing his contributions.
Thompson remains optimistic, however. He believes the Gin Kings need to be more consistent on defense, and keep on working hard.
"Actually, si Coach Tim (Cone), sabi niya sa amin, kung ganito lang lagi ang lalaruin namin, siguro darating din ang mga panalo," he said.
"Si Coach Tim, talagang 'yung confidence niya sa amin, 'ynug motivation niya sa amin ngayon, kailangan pataas pa rin 'yung kumpyansa namin kahit 3-4 kami," he added.
"Talagang keep working hard, keep grinding pa rin."
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