Ginebra’s breakout year?

The year 2004 may have different kinds of significance astrologically, but for Barangay Ginebra, this is the year they hope to get the monkey off their backs.

"We had a timetable, and we weren’t really in a hurry," reveals team manager Ira Maniquis. "We wanted to build up the team gradually, so that we would have a solid, competitive team for the longer term. But so many things happened."

The first hindrance was the Philippine team to the Asian Games, which deprived the Gin Kings of starter Eric Menk and coach Allan Caidic for almost the entire year.

There were also changes in the line-up in 2001, which inadvertently weakened the frontline. Ginebra lost center Alex Crisano to Talk ‘N Text, and also lost key draft picks in acquiring Menk from Tanduay (via FedEx).

So, 2003 was supposed to be Ginebra’s year. They filled up key positions by drafting MBA MVP Romel Adducul, NCAA MVP Sunday Salvacion, and burly point guard Rob Johnson, who was supposed to replace Jayjay Helterbrand.

"We were complete," Maniquis continued. "We even got Crisano back. But then, we had all these injuries. We were never complete. There were times we even had to use Mark Caguioa as point guard and (forward) Banjo Calpito at center."

Much of the blame was heaped on coach Allan Caidic. The feared Triggerman, perhaps the most prolific shooter in PBA history, has been villified for not getting the same output from Ginebra despite a powerful arsenal.

"Allan has what it takes, and he’s getting there," confirms Maniquis, who has been beside an anguished Caidic on the bench. "If it were any other team, he wouldn’t be under this much pressure. It just happened to be Ginebra."

Caidic once told The Star that he only minded the criticism when it affected his family. Lately, the retired All-Star forward has been relieving stress by playing the occasional pick-up game and learning badminton.

"This year, we’re okay," Caidic told The Star. "I don’t know what we’ll get in the draft, whoever’s left when we pick in the second round."

The Gins are looking for a small forward to round out their line-up. Free agents and MBA vets Kalani Fereria and Jeff Sanders have been trying out.

Ginebra confirmed that the three-way trade involving Jun Limpot, Purefoods’ Andy Seigle and some Sta. Lucia picks has not pushed through, but is something they will pursue at a later date. With all its scorers, the Gin Kings need someone to rebound and back up Eric Menk. And Limpot is underutilized.

It has been a very long time since Ginebra has hoisted a championship trophy. For its parched fans, the wait should end this season.

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Congratulations to the PBA and ABC 5 for sealing its partnership for the 2004 season. The idea of broadcasting the games in primetime from Wednesday to Sunday will make the PBA the viewing habit it used to be.

The PBA’s new wrinkles and more are on this week’s episode of The Basketball Show on IBC-13 at 4 p.m.