Manila, Philippines – For the millions of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel diehards, it was disheartening to see their favorite team get the boot and not make the semifinals of the PBA Philippine Cup.
Still there is something to calm most of the Ginebra fans as a team insider bared yesterday that there will be “no revamp” either on the coaching staff or among players of the popular team.
Ginebra lost to Talk ’N Text in their do-or-die quarterfinal match, 83-67, that eliminated the Kings. TNT arranged a best-of-seven semifinal series with top seed San Miguel Beer.
While the squad is known for its ‘never say die’ catchphrase, 7-foot sophomore center Greg Slaughter feels the team isn’t living up to it and that the Kings continue to grope for something.
“I think we don’t know what our identity is as a team,” Slaughter said.
Slaughter, the 2013-2014 Rookie of the year, added: “I don’t think we’ve established our roles on the squad. When the pressure comes, we rely on our talent rather than stick with the team.”
Even Ginebra coach Jeff Cariaso thinks the team is still a long way from fully understanding and embracing the triangle offense he’s trying to implement since he took over prior to last season’s Governors’ Cup.
“I think they’re not understanding it the way I understand it,” said Cariaso. “We always say time is a factor, also experience. But with two conferences in, that’s not enough time.
“But at this point, not to give excuses, what we envision and what I want them to play is not there yet. I have to look on what we’re doing and hopefully, I need them to get there a bit faster,” added Cariaso.
A league observer, however, said that aside from finding the team’s identity or mastering the triangle offense, what is lacking with Ginebra is chemistry and unity among the players.
“Hindi naman maiiwasan na may mga issues sa team, lalo kapag natatalo kagaya nung nangyari sa game nila versus TNT,” said the league observer, who requested anonymity.
“As talented as Ginebra is, malayo ang pagkaka-iba nila sa teams na Rain or Shine, Alaska na walang superstar player. Kung ang Ginebra may unity, walang sisihan sa loob ng court, malakas na team yan,” he added.