In-form Menk ignites Ginebra resurgence

MANILA, Philippines - With former MVP Eric Menk flaashing vintage form, Barangay Ginebra is back in its old fiery shape to wheel back into contention in the import-laced PBA Fiesta Conference.

“He is our steady guy inside,” said Kings coach Jong Uichico of the 6-foot-7 center-forward, who had a big hand in their back-to-back wins over Barako Energy Coffee and Sta. Lucia Realty.

His exploits netted him the Accel-PBA Press Corps Player of the Week honors for the period May 10 to 16.

In beating Kelly Williams, who shone in his last game as a Realtor and came up with a decent debut as a Talk n Text Tropang Texter, Menk normed 16.0 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists, nearly approximating his numbers during his 2004-05 season where he bagged the MVP plum.

Not bad for a 35-year-old Menk, who came into the week averaging just 7.8 points and 3.6 rebounds in Ginebra’s first eight games in the conference.

Now, thanks to his exploits and leadership, the Kings have moved up to fourth with a 6-4 win-loss record.

Uichico has maintained it is his most senior player that has set the tone for the rest of the team.

“He has been working extra hard to be in the best shape possible and is so focused on his game,” said Uichico.

The Kings were actually struggling coming into the week, having lost three of their last four games. Even their lone win was nothing to brag about, barely squeaking past another struggling team in Air21, 101-100, last May 5.

But Menk came through with a 20-point explosion against Barako that was capped by six points in a 12-0 windup, helping the Kings overcome an 81-90 deficit and into a 93-90 win last Wednesday.

“The other guys were looking for me and luckily my shots went in,” said Menk. “It was an escape, but it’s good we came out with the win.”

It was also a good morale and confidence builder as Ginebra went on to handily beat Sta. Lucia, 102-85, last Sunday, marking the first time in four meetings this season the Kings won over the Realtors.

With Mildon Ambres, Ronald Tubid and Jayjay Helterbrand showing the way, Menk was content with a 12-point, eight-rebound production.