ROBERT Jaworkski, the Living Legend of Philippine basketball, is saddened by the fact that the team he led as playing-coach for years to become the darlings of PBA fans, is without a championship for the past seven years and has started the new season under multi-titled coach Tim Cone without a win in its first two games.
The latest setback was when the Barako Bull squad stunned the Gin Kings as they clawed back from a 21-point deficit to overcome Ginebra, 82-79, at the Mall of Asia Arena last Saturday. Ginebra also dropped its opening game against the Star Hotshots, the former team of Cone now coached by young Jason Webb.
“They have complete material but can’t seem to move forward,” said Jaworski, who appeared perplexed.
The charismatic former senator added: “It’s a pity because Ginebra is the pillar of the PBA and the biggest crowd drawer in the pro league.”
He feels “the relationships are not there” and advocated a review of what “the team’s philosophy, vision and ideas are.”
Jaworski also pointed out that it’s time to look into “the credibility aspect,” because to him, “loyalty goes with credibility.”
Earlier, his former teammate and PBA King of the Boards and defensive star Abe King had proposed that the older stars like Mark Caguioa, who has been the face of the Ginebra team, alongside JayJay Helterbrand for the past several years, should accept diminished roles in the team and allow the younger players a chance to step up.