Ginebra’s goal is instant chemistry

Barangay Ginebra coach Joseph Uichico said yesterday chemistry will play a huge role in bringing the Gin Kings to the PBA Fiesta Conference throne with Mark Caguioa, Jay-Jay Helterbrand and Rudy Hatfield on loan to the national squad.

"The biggest challenge is winning the All-Filipino championship but this coming conference is also a big challenge because our key players are missing," said Uichico. "More than 50 percent of our chances depends on the import, whether he can score the 30 or more points we’ll miss from Mark, Jay-Jay and Rudy and whether we can generate chemistry right away."

Uichico said Ginebra import Rod Nealy must be on the ball if the Kings hope to win back-to-back titles.

Nealy arrived the other night. He showed up at a team shoot-around yesterday morning. The 6-5 swingman led the NCAA Division II in scoring with a 28.9 clip as a Houston Baptist University senior in 2002-03. Nealy, 26, is an explosive scorer who has campaigned in Germany, Mexico, Israel and Spain.

Ginebra’s first import choice Dion Glover, a six-year NBA veteran who was the Atlanta Hawks first round draft pick in 1999, became unavailable after initial talks. Former import Chris Porter, another NBA veteran, is playing in China and also isn’t available. Uichico said Ginebra got lucky when Nealy agreed to fly in.

"We’ve seen tapes of Nealy in action," said Uichico. "He’s an offensive player but he also plays tough defense, using his quickness and athletic ability. Division II players are do-everything types. We’re hoping he’ll be a good fit to our team."

Uichico said the absence of his three mainstays will allow more playing time for relievers Mike Holper, Mark Macapagal and Andy Seigle and he’s reactivating Rodney Santos, Egay Echavez and Paolo Hubalde from the reserve list to fill the roster gaps.

Filling in the shoes of Caguioa and Helterbrand as starting guards will be either Johnny Abarrientos or Echavez at point and Santos or Macapagal at the two-spot, said Uichico. Another option is Ronald Tubid who plays both guard positions.

Losing Rafi Reavis to the national squad is also a possibility. Reavis was named a reserve with Romel Adducul and Enrico Villanueva.

Uichico said without his key players, Ginebra will rely even more on its fans.

"I’ve coached against the Ginebra crowd before so I know what it’s like to be on the other side of the fence," said Uichico. "The fans give us a huge lift. They’re our sixth man."

Uichico cited the fans for inspiring the Gin Kings to rally from 16 points down to beat San Miguel Beer, 96-94, in Game 6 of the PBA Philippine Cup finals to clinch the crown at the Araneta Coliseum two weeks ago.

Last conference was Uichico’s first on the Ginebra bench after coaching San Miguel from 1999 to last season, leading the Beermen to six championships in nine Finals. He now ranks fourth among coaches with most titles behind Baby Dalupan, Tim Cone and Norman Black.

Uichico said the Gin Kings wouldn’t have won the crown without the contributions of assistant coaches Siot Tanquingcen, Art de la Cruz and Juno Sauler, practice players Echavez, Hubalde and Jec Chia and role players Seigle, Macapagal and Holper.