Caguioa working to regain old shooting touch with help from pal Helterbrand

“Medyo mahirap, pero I think I’ll get it back within this conference, hopefully. We’re doing extra work. Me and Jayjay started playing one-on-one again, trying to get the feel back, get the rhythm back,” says fit-again Ginebra star Mark Caguioa. Nuki Sabio/ PBA Images

BARANGAY Ginebra ace gunner Mark Caguioa admits he’s still far from his old, explosive self, two games into the season-ending PBA Governors Cup.

The reigning league MVP is averaging 15 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.5 assists through the team’s 1-1 (win-loss) start to the conference, but is the first to admit that his shooting leaves much to be desired.

The 33-year-old Ginebra superstar is shooting just 39.4 percent from the field during his first two games, including a frigid 20 percent (two-of-10) from three-point zone.

“I wouldn’t say I’m 100 percent (in game shape). I think I’ve been out for less than six months so I’m starting to get back in shape,” Caguioa, who sat out most of the Commissioner's Cup due to an MCL sprain, told Spin.ph.

On Tuesday, he was seen doing one-on-one practice with pal and backcourt mate Jayjay Helterbrand after the Gin Kings' training session at the Xavier School gym in San Juan.

The 45-minute drill was meant to bring his shooting touch back, Caguioa said.

“Medyo mahirap, pero I think I’ll get it back within this conference, hopefully. We’re doing extra work. Me and Jayjay started playing one-on-one again, trying to get the feel back, get the rhythm back,” Caguioa said.

Before the injury, Caguioa led the league in scoring with his 22.2-point per game average to go along with 4.7 rebounds and 3.4 assists.

Caguioa and the Gin Kings face a hectic weekend where they will clash with Barako Bull on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, before taking on Commissioner’s Cup champion Alaska on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Source: Spin.ph