Barangay Ginebra did it for its fans.
Team skipper LA Tenorio said this after the Gin Kings joined their fans in celebrating their title conquest in the 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup last Monday.
“Bago ang 2018, we came from a championship in the Commissioner’s Cup and the Governors’ Cup finals. Medyo nag-relax kami kaya natalo kami. We wanted to be in the finals every year. And the last time we won it, we worked hard for it. Ginawa ito para sa mga fans namin,” said Tenorio during a victory party and meet-and-greet with their fans at the Metro Tent of the Metrowalk in Pasig City.
The gathering was held just three days after the team beat Meralco in Game 5 of the Governors’ Cup finals.
Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone led the team in thanking the fans for their never-ending support to the team.
“To be able to share our celebration with you, grabe. I just said people were waiting since last night to join us here. I’m just totally amazed. I’m so proud that we have the power to make you (fans) happy. I’m so proud that we can win championships and make you happy,” said Cone.
It was the fourth time that Cone handed a title to the Gin Kings.
After Cone moved to the Gin Kings in 2015, he was able to steer the team to the 2016 and 2017 Governors’ Cup titles and the 2018 Commissioner’s Cup crown.
Members of the team, like Mark Caguioa, said they were inspired how some teammates would devote extra time in practice to help sharpen their skills.
“Everybody worked so hard. Like LA, magwo-work out pa iyan even though nakapaglaro na iyan ng 40 to 50 minutes,” said Caguioa, who said he was convinced to stay another year for the Gin Kings.
Following talks with Sports Director Alfrancis Chua, Caguioa agreed to stay on for his 19th season with Gin Kings.
Caguioa said the hard work that the team puts in amazes him, one primary reason why he will stay.
He took note of how he saw Finals’ MVP Japeth Aguilar improved and showed maturity in his game as one of the things that kept him from leaving much earlier.
