Caguioa improves ranking in all-time scoring ladder

MANILA, Philippines – Barangay Ginebra stalwart Mark Caguioa hit a new milestone, tying Arnie Tuadles at No. 18 in the PBA all-time scoring ladder in putting in 16 points in their crucial 103-90 win over Meralco in the penultimate day of the Oppo PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday night.

Caguioa, the 2001 top rookie and 2012 MVP now with a career total of 9,430 points, could well move past Vergel Meneses (9,453) in their next game or two. He also looks on course to getting past Manny Victorino (9,596) at 16th place in the current PBA season.

Among Caguioa’s contemporaries, only the Star Hotshots’ main man James Yap is ahead with 9,644 points.

They’re in the elite list with Ramon Fernandez (18,996), Abet Guidaben (15,775), Alvin Patrimonio (15,091), Atoy Co (12,994), Nelson Asaytono (12,268), Philip Cezar (12,077), Jojo Lastimosa (12,008), Bogs Adornado (11,967), Robert Jaworski (11,967), Allan Caidic (11,719), Jerry Codinera (10,868), Benjie Paras (10367), Francis Arnaiz (10,292) and Freddie Hubalde (9,927).

He’s happy with his latest personal achievement, but at 36 and in his 14th season in the local pro league, Caguioa said he wants to win championships more than anything.

“As you age you really want more to win a championship. It’s for you, your team and the fans,” said Caguioa.

Without a championship for over seven years now, Caguioa is hopeful they can end their drought in the current tourney, especially as they’ve turned to be more of a defensive team.

“The past couple of years, we haven’t been a really good team. Now, coach Tim Cone brought to us defense. Now, we’re getting more defensive-minded,” he said.

“Defensively, I’m really confident. Our offense is a bonus,” he added. “Defensively, everyone’s just aware of helping each other out. You can feel that if someone gets beat, the other guys are going to be there to help.”

Caguioa said they’re import Othyus Jeffers is a good fit in their system.

“We have a great import, he’s a great defensive player,” he said.