No MC This AFC?

It is not that surprising when Barangay Ginebra Kings (BGK) started the All Filipino Cup (AFC) without Mark Caguioa (MC). His knees, both knees, are injured and over used last conference where they won the championship.

But despite playing without MC, and whole lot more of the key players, the BGK managed to have won 3 out of its 9 games in the first round of the eliminations. Someone always step up in every game. The seem to be problem is that they doesn't have a deep bench to sustain the gas that they need in the pay off period.

In their 5 straight loses, almost everyone was wishing for the comeback of MC, or Junthy Valenzuela. So that an offensive player may be seen on the court. In these 5 games, it was always JayJay Helterbrand and Paul Artadi who seem to be the go-to guy of BGK. But, it seem not to be enough. In their game against Alaska Aces, they have all the chance to win. Their chance was even extended for 5 more minutes in the overtime period. But during that OT, JayJay nor Paul earn a basket. Coach Jong Uichico could have tapped someone else to supply the necessary energy, or spark, to win the game. But he opted to make JayJay and Paul stay, the result, BGK had their sorry loss.

Come last game of the first round of the eliminations, everyone where still hoping for MC's comeback, until Anthony Suntay mentioned last game that MC won't be coming back this AFC. The moment I hear this, well, bad news, a lot of things pops into my mind. I bet a lot would definitely miss MC, and his moves. But, I think that would be the cost of using MC last finals series even with knees hurting.

Well, MC is MC, and NO ONE CAN EVER REPLACE MC. But now that the BGK management just don't want to rush things on MC nursing his knees, we just have to face the reality of facing AFC without MC, hu hu hu.

As for me, a lot of players can help contribute in offense, Coach Jong just have to give them the license to shoot. JunJun Cabatu proven his talent beyond the arc in Game 2. Macky Escalona shown he has the perimeter shooting everytime he would be given the playing time. Chris Pacana showed that he does not only have the good defense, he as well can drive through the basket no matter how big the defense was. Well, Willie Wilson is proving how he can handle the leather and wisely gain a goal from the field. The rest of the BGK roster already proved their worth in offense. So, I guess, that would be it. Never Say Die. Play with a heart. And have the license to shoot.

I know, MC would have wanted his fans to stay cheering for BGK even he won't be playing, for this conference at least. So, let's just continue supporting our ever beloved BGK. Who knows, MC might have his surprise, and promise us once again, the CHAMPIONSHIP CROWN. Ü