Ginebra plays catch up in practice

MANILA, Philippines — Back-to-back Governors Cup champion Ginebra is playing catch up in practice as the 43rd PBA season moved 10 days away from tip-off. Coach Tim Cone had ordered twice-a-day sessions for the Gin Kings after a well-deserved vacation after ruling the season-ending tournament last Oct. 27.

The Gin Kings spent the entire month of November on vacation mode. While some went to the United States, the others stayed home with their families.

Members of the PBA board have yet to resolve their differences, and yet everybody is optimistic that the new season will fire off as scheduled.

The PBA had planned to release the official schedule for the Philippine Cup yesterday. But as of presstime, nothing had been posted on the league website.

The Gin Kings started practicing last Nov. 30 at the Upper Deck Gym in Pasig, where four teams, which have gone practicing way ahead, were in a pocket tournament.

Ginebra will not play until Christmas Day, in a game against Magnolia (former Star) at the 55,000-seat Philippine Arena. Cone said they have enough time.

“We have 25 days because our first game will be Christmas Day. And we’ll do two-a-day practices,” he said.

“So, we’ll make it up,” Cone assured. The American coach with 20 PBA titles graced the PBA Press Corps Awards Night last Thursday, their first day of practice.

“It was the first day. Everybody’s tired,” he said. But last Monday, at the ultra-modern Pasig City gym, the Gin Kings were seen pounding the court during a noontime session.

“We should get 10 practices on the first week and 10 on the second week,” said Cone. The Gin Kings looked healthy, except for Joe Devance, who’s still in the US recovering from a foot surgery. He is expected to fly home very soon.

Devance, according to sources, was offered a one-year contract extension, and is going to sign the moment he lands.

The Gin Kings are right on track.