MANILA, Philippines - Hindi maikakailang may naging papel si dating Sen. Robert Jaworski, Sr. sa dramatikong panalo ng Barangay Ginebra laban sa Meralco sa Game Six ng 2016 PBA Governor’s Cup Finals noong Miyerkules.
Ayon kay mentor Tim Cone, naging kalmado at nagbalik sa kanilang tamang pag-iisip ang mga Gin Kings matapos bisitahin ng 70-anyos na ‘Living Legend’ sa kanilang locker room sa halftime.
“I truly believed he settled everybody down,” wika ni Cone. “I think the guys really felt something from that.”
Matapos tambakan ng Bolts sa first half, 32-45, ay rumesbak ang Gin Kings sa third period sa likod ng 20 points ni Finals MVP LA Tenorio.
Ayon kay Jaworski, ang may akda ng ‘never-say-die’ spirit, simple lamang ang kanyang naging payo sa Ginebra sa dugout.
“Told them they just have to compose themselves because as I’ve said, you’re better than that team,” sabi ng tinaguriang ‘The Big J” sa mga Gin Kings. “If you had beaten them three times, then you can beat them again.”
“Tonight is the night. Don’t think of any other day,” dagdag pa ni Jaworski, naging coach ng Ginebra noong 1985 hanggang 1998 kung saan niya naging player sina Pido Jarencio, Dondon Ampalayo, Noli Locsin, Marlou Aquino, Bal David, Jayvee Gayoso, Terry Saldana, Leo Isaac, Vince Hizon at iba pa.
Sa tapang na ipinakita ng Ginebra ni Cone, kumpiyansa si Jaworski na masusundan pa ang kanilang paghahari sa susunod na PBA season.
“As long as they don’t change their attitude, their positive attitude, they have a bright future,” sabi ng maalamat na PBA Hall of Famer.