Ginebra has a storied history in the annals of the PBA. As the Kings continue to stamp its class this season with 4 consecutive victories with the return of slotman Eric Menk, it's noteworthy to reminisce for Ginebra fans the various teams that made up the franchise in their 26 years of existence in the PBA. I can name 7 versions:
1. Pre-Jaworski era (1979-1983)Players included the likes of Armando Torres, Willie Tanduyan, Ernie De Leon, Gary Vargas, Alex Clariño, marginal talents but with an innovative coach in Arturo Valenzona. They also paraded some of the highest scoring imports in the history of the PBA - Larry McNeil, Dean Tolson, Jacky Dorsey, Anthony Roberts and Lawrence Massey.
2. Ginebra (1984-1988)The original blue collar team of the PBA - no namers but they did their jobs well simply because they played the rough and tumble game of basketball without so much finesse but oozing with brute power. Led by their mercurial coach Robert Jaworski, players who donned the Ginebra jersey in this era include Terry Saldaña, Dondon Ampalayo, Chito and Joey Loyzaga, Dante Gonzalgo, Leo Isaac, Dennis Carbonilla, Cayetano Salazar, Romy Mamaril, Ed Ducut and Rolly Buhay. Imports were class acts themselves, led by the best ever, Billy Ray Bates, Michael Hackett, Jamie Waller, Terry Duerod, Clinton Wheeler, Tommy Davis and Joe Ward.
3. Ginebra (1989-1991)Although not as blue collar as the first one, this was the team that was noted for their physical (bordering on rough) defense, typical of any Jaworski team. A good mix of veteran players and journeymen played during this era for the Gins. They include Philip Cezar, Rudy Distrito, Freddie Hubalde, Rey Cuenco, Gonzalgo, the elder Loyzaga, Peter Aguilar (now better known as the father of Ateneo's Japeth), Harmon and Pat Codiñera, Isaac, among others. Imports like Carlos (Red) Briggs, Jervis Cole, and Sylvester Gray reinforced a perennially competitive Ginebra team back then.
4. Ginebra (1992-1995)The doldrum years of the Gins - when their best showing at this point was a solitary semifinal appearance in the 1993 season featuring a taller import in Danny Jones (the rest of the teams except for Pepsi Mega were reinforced by smaller imports). Guys who played for Ginebra include Pido Jarencio, Larry Villanil, Jayvee Gayoso, Noli Locsin, Bennett Palad, Nonoy Chuatico, EJ Feihl, Dodot Jaworski, Sonny Cabatu, Manny Victorino and the like. Talk about low budget, let's not talk about their equally forgettable imports that time (with the slight exception of Jones, Steve Hood and a comebacking Jamie Waller)...
5. Ginebra (1996-1998)The redemption years. Ginebra finally found the magic that they needed when Jaworski learned to tinker with his lineup and decided to put premium to youth and athleticism more than veteran smarts. This team formed a nucleus when they were able to secure Marlou Aquino as the #1 pick of the 1996 draft and signing up free agent point guard Bal David. A trade for Vince Hizon with Purefoods vice Chuatico the previous year gave them a reliable shooter from the outside, a Jaworski offensive staple. Other players include Benny Cheng, Gayoso, Locsin, Jarencio, Bong Alvarez (secured from a trade with San Miguel for the draft rights to Fil-Am Steven Smith), Terry Saldaña and Cris Bolado. Imports who played include Chris King, Fred Cofield, Reggie Fox, Leon Trimmingham and Derek Rucker.
6. Post-Jaworski Ginebra (1999-2002)Practically a new team altogether and veering away from the Jaworski formula, this Ginebra team combined the run and gun style of play with a systematic direction owing to their consultant Ron Jacobs' preference for a more controlled offensive style. Aquino was shipped to Sta. Lucia for a Jacobs' favorite, Jun Limpot, Noli Locsin was dealt to Pop Cola for the swashbuckling Vergel Meneses, and Mark Caguioa was silently included in the 2002 draft by Jacobs so that they would get a shot in getting him first (he eventually became the 4th overall pick). Other players include Ronald Magtulis, Boy Valera, David and Alex Crisano. Imports weren't as impressive as before but they had reliable workhorses in the likes of Ryan Fletcher, Sean Green and the like.
7. The Eric Menk era (2003-present)Perhaps the most talent-laden Ginebra team ever, no question about it, this team will remain to be a contender for the championship in the coming years. They not only have the best PBA player at present in Eric Menk, they also have arguably the best point guard in JJ Helterbrand, the best sixth man in Rodney Santos and the most exciting slasher in Mark Caguioa. They also have the bullstrong Romel Adducul to back up Menk in the slot, the only entity missing in this present Kings lineup is a forward in the mold of a Danny Seigle, Nic Belasco or Anthony Washington.
So which team do you like the most? I'm a sucker for blue collar workers who stretch themselves to the limit so I have to go with the 1986-1988 version. The same year I decided to shift my loyalty to the Gins after a 9-year allegiance with the Crispa Redmanizers and a year and a half of shifting loyalties from Shell and Manila Beer...
Read more!
