Working Ginebra’s system

Scottie Thompson sat out Barangay Ginebra’s first two games in the PBA Philippine Cup but somehow, the team managed to register wins over Rain or Shine and Phoenix, zooming to a strong start with coach Tim Cone relying on a rotation that suits a system rather than individual players.

Thompson is day-to-day with a strained back. Ginebra has a game left against Meralco on Friday before taking a break for the All-Star Weekend and Holy Week. It will be a 15-day rest then Ginebra returns to action in a Manila Clasico duel with Magnolia at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on March 31. If Thompson isn’t 100 percent for Meralco, the long respite should get him ready for the Chicken Timplado Hotshots.

In Thompson’s absence, Cone has moved hard-nosed backup Nards Pinto to the point. Maverick Ahanmisi is a fixture at two-guard with rookie Ralph Cu at four, Jamie Malonzo at three and Christian Standhardinger at five in the starting cast. Japeth Aguilar, LA Tenorio, Stanley Pringle are the chief relievers with Von Pessumal, Donald Gumaru, Josh David, Sidney Onwubere, Raymond Aguilar and Jared Dillinger filling up the roster.

Cu, who turned 27 last Friday, played on the La Salle squad that finished second to UST, starring Sherwin Concepcion, in the UAAP men’s 3x3 two seasons back and impressed scouts with his shooting ability on Ginebra’s 3x3 team. Cu played in six of 11 games with Ginebra in the OnTour series, going scoreless in four and ending the preseason with eight points and three rebounds against TNT. In last year’s draft, he was Ginebra’s top pick, 23rd overall, in the second round after trading its first round slot to NorthPort.

In the Commissioner’s Cup, Cu saw action in eight games and went scoreless in five. His high-game was six points against Phoenix. He started the first game of the conference. After Cone tapped Cu and Gumaru to serve as practice players with Gilas for the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers, both rookies leveled up. Cu started in Ginebra’s first two outings in the Philippine Cup, averaging 9.5 points with a career-high 12 against Phoenix.

“It was just a matter of gaining confidence,” said Ginebra assistant coach Richard del Rosario, referring to Cu. “He’s a smart player and the training with Gilas certainly helped him get that confidence. He’s a good shooter but an even better passer.”

Sharing the ball has been a trademark in Cone’s system from way back with the triangle a launching pad for his passing game. Ginebra dazzled Rain or Shine with 25 assists and Phoenix, 27. Three players are averaging at least three dimes a game – Ahanmisi (8.5), Standhardinger (5.5) and Pringle (3.5). Ball movement has been a key to locating open shooters and Ginebra is knocking down 14 triples a contest. Averaging at least two three-point conversions are Malonzo (four), Pringle (2.5), Cu (2.5) and Pinto (2). While Ginebra’s keeping head above water without Thompson, Cone will want the 2021 MVP back in harness when the schedule gets tougher with Magnolia on Friday and San Miguel Beer on April 5 looming in the horizon.