Kings’ reign in peril with loss of big stars

The Kings are kings of the PBA All-Filipino conference once again with a chance for a twin kill in the season, but with Ginebra San Miguel making a big sacrifice for the country, its bid now largely depends on the shoulders of an untested reinforcement.

But Mark Caguioa, Jayjay Helterbrand and Rudy Hatfield being loaned to the RP team shortly after made their conquest of the 2006-07 Philippine Cup even more meaningful.

For coach Jong Uichico, it was simply the best way to start a new chapter in his coaching career.

For Eric Menk, it was a perfect ride in his return from a bout with injury.

For veteran guard Johnny Abarrientos, it could be a good footnote to a great career that’s about to end.

For the entire team, it was a statement delivered just before three of their stars were released to the RP team.

"The boys have proven what they’re made of and what they can do," said Uichico, savoring his seventh title in the league, the first outside of San Miguel Beer.

The never-say-die Kings carved out another victory that is one for the ages, overcoming a zero-two deficit in the series to claim their third crown in the last six tournament and their seventh overall to tie Purefoods at fifth place among the league’s winningest clubs.

Furthermore, the victory lines up the team for a double-championship in the season although they have to do it minus Caguioa, Helterbrand and Hatfield.

The three were among the best performers in the Philippine Cup, with Caguioa being named Best Player of the Conference and Helterbrand winning the ACCEL-PBAPC Finals MVP award with the trophy courtesy of the Raymundo Trophies.

Minus the three stars, Ginebra is likely to rely much on import Rod Nealy as it vies for the title to be defended by Red Bull and its returning import James Penny.

Uichico described the 6-foot-5 Nealy as a three who can play the four position. "He’s an all-around type of player. He comes from a Division II school. He’ll be a nice fit to our team," said Uichico of the Houston Baptist School product.

The Kings are only taking a 15-day rest before opening their campaign in the Fiesta Conference versus Alaska Milk on March 11 at the Araneta Coliseum. The season-ending tourney starts March 4 with Welcoat taking on Coca-Cola and Purefoods tackling Red Bull at the Astrodome.