Singapore Slingers vs Barangay Ginebra Kings

From Singapore Slingers - Newsletter #45

Singapore, 14 January 2009 - The Singapore Slingers will be replacing last Sunday's cancelled match against India's Sathbayama All Stars with a dream match against the Philippine's most popular team - Barangay Ginebra - this Saturday at the Singapore Indoor Stadium at 7.30pm.

This will be the last game of the Singapore Challenge Series and the Slingers will be looking for their 10th win in 11th games of the Singapore Challenge Series.

"It is a critical decision we had to make as both teams will be without key players", said Paul Monozca, Chairman of the Monozca Foundation - the key patron of the Philippine teams playing in Singapore. "But we feel it's a great way to end the 'Singapore Challenge Series' with a dream match. The fans will be happy to know there will be a re-match when the teams complete themselves in a few months. But for now, patience to hold this game has run out".

"We welcome the decision to have this dream match earlier" said Bob Turner, Managing Director of Basketball Enterprises and owner of the Slingers. "This match is all about saying thanks to all the supporters of the 'Challenge Series' this year and to tell everyone to look forward to next season when the official regional pro league opens. Ticket prices remain the same at $6 to $16 and are available at all Sistic outlets".

Although this will be a tough game, the Slingers will be playing without Shane McDonald and possibly Darren Ng while Ginebra is playing without JJ Helterbrand who is training with the national team and Eric Menk, who is in the United States.

Mark Caguioa is also not playing and Reavis and Valenzuela are side lined due to injury.

However, fans can look forward to a match-up between the bad boys Eric Sandrin and Alex Crisano and point guards Paul Artadi and Al Vergara. Veteran star point guard Jhonny Abbarientos will also be suiting up for the Singapore game. Fans will also be treated to meet veterans Jong Uichico and Allan Caidic who are both part of the coaching staff of Ginebra.

"Ginebra is the Apple Computer of the Philippines. It is not the strongest team, but the most popular", said Noel Saavedra of the Monozca Foundation. "It is our version of the Kallang Roar"

The match will be played at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Saturday, Jan 17, 2009 at 7:30pm.