Ginebra to stay intact

MANILA, Philippines — Barangay Ginebra, twice champ and once runner-up in the last four PBA conferences, is keeping its winning roster intact, except for minor changes, including a replacement to retiring star guard Jayjay Helterbrand plus the addition of amateur draftee Jett Manuel.

“Coach Tim (Cone) wants it intact,” said Ginebra team manager Rayboy Rodriguez of their squad with a formidable core group led by Greg Slaughter, Japeth Aguilar, Joe Devance, LA Tenorio, Scottie Thompson, Sol Mercado, Mark Caguioa, Kevin Ferrer, Jervy Cruz and Aljon Mariano.

“All the major players have existing contracts,” Rodriguez also said of their solid roster that makes them the least busy in the wheeling and dealing for players during the long PBA off-season.

Even with Helterbrand calling it quits after 16 years, Ginebra doesn’t need to look far for a replacement.

“There’s Art dela Cruz who’ll be ready to get back into action. He’s now working out, he’s practicing,” said Rodriguez of Dela Cruz, trade recruit from Blackwater in the just concluded season.

Then there’s Manuel, a draft steal that the Gin Kings landed in the recent rookie draft.

“We’re lucky he’s still available at No. 12,” said Ginebra top official Alfrancis Chua who thought there would no longer be a solid pick when they took their turn in the draft order.

Manuel, a former UP Maroon, made good impression in his stint with Chooks To Go Pilipinas in the recent FIBA Asia Champions Cup in China.

Another draft selection for Ginebra is second-generation player Elmer Mykiel Cabahug whose father Elmer played under Cone at Alaska Milk.

A University of Visayas Green Lancer like his father, Elmer Mykiel, however, will have to fight for a spot in the Ginebra roster.

Also in the Ginebra champion lineup are Raymond Aguilar, Paolo Taha and Raymon Jamer Jamito plus other reserves.

The Gin Kings shared their recent Governors Cup title run with their fans in their victory bash at the SMC Complex in Mandaluyong Monday night.

SMC president Ramon Ang graced the occasion and urged everybody to be magnanimous and humble in triumph.

“Ang laban na ‘to ay gitgitan. Sana po maging humble tayo at ‘wag ho tayong magyabang at baka hindi na tayo bigyan ng Diyos ng biyaya (It was a close fight. We must be humble and  gracious for  the Lord may not give us the kind of blessings we  deserve),” said Ang in addressing the crowd.

“Para sa mga kasama ko (To the team), please be humble and be nice to everybody. This is just basketball and this is just entertainment for our countrymen,” Ang also said.

NOTES: NLEX acquired Michael Miranda from Phoenix Petroleum in exchange for a future draft pick. The Road Warriors are also looking to sign veteran free agents Ronjay Buenafe and Jonathan Uyloan, both former players by coach Yeng Guiao at Rain or Shine….. Mark Tallo, the two-time CESAFI MVP winner who later had a stint with La Salle, has been signed to an initial offer by TNT KaTropa.