Jolas: I like my chances

MANILA, Philippines — Old guard against new challenger. Multi-titled import against his breakthrough-seeking counterpart. Mentor against pupil.

The “new-look” PBA Governors’ Cup title duel between Tim Cone and Justin Brownlee’s Barangay Ginebra and Jojo Lastimosa and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson’s TNT packs a punch and brims with fierce competitiveness, emotion and will to win.

The Gin Kings are gunning for a three-peat and fifth overall in the last six editions of the season-ending conference. They captured their first four at the expense of Meralco and now bid to stretch the success against a fresh threat in TNT.

The Tropang Giga, for their part, are seeking to hand Lastimosa his first crown as coach, Hollis-Jefferson his milestone pro championship and end Ginebra’s dominance.

Lastimosa, who assumed coaching chores at the start of the tournament as Chot Reyes shifted his focus on Gilas Pilipinas, is excited to face Cone. Lastimosa shared a number of triumphs with Cone as a player and later assistant coach during their time with Alaska in the 1990s.

“I like my chances. Our players are playing well and if before, we’re winning with our scoring, right now we’re defending really well. We need to play both offense and defense well in this series and I think the guys will be ready,” he said.

Cone shares Lastimosa’s excitement.

“Jojo was my team captain and my assistant coach for years so it’s going to be tough going up against him because he knows me like the back of his hands,” said the bemedaled Cone.

The import matchup between Brownlee, who is aiming to extend his perfect finals batting average to 7-of-7, and Hollis-Jefferson, who is looking to taste victory for the first time in his pro career, is worth looking forward to.

“I’m a competitor so you put me up against anybody, I like my chances,” said Hollis-Jefferson.

“Right now, the focus is getting ready for the finals. When it comes up, focus on one game at a time, one possession at a time. Hopefully, everything we’ve built up to this point – momentum, our team chemistry – will help us win another championship,” said Brownlee.

Ginebra and TNT are spending the Holy Week recharging and preparing for the best-of-seven finale that fires off on Easter Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.