Despite early vacation, Gabe Freeman believes: ‘Ginebra is best PBA team, by far’

Sports5 file/Pranz Kaeno Billones

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel booked an early vacation after getting knocked out by top seed Talk ‘N Text in the PLDT Home TVolution Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals on Tuesday.

But despite the lowly finish, the Gin Kings’ talent level remains on top of the league, if you ask import Gabe Freeman.

“Ginebra is the best team in the PBA –by far. They just have to put it together,” said the two-time Best Import winner, who played two games for the Gin Kings.

“Sometimes you might have the pieces in the puzzle, but you’ve got to find the instructions to the puzzle. We’ve got to put it on the court. On paper, we’re one of the best teams, but on the court, we’ve got to put it together.”

The Gin Kings showed a measure of their talent in the Philippine Cup, where they finished at No. 1 after the elimination round before losing a grueling seven-game series in the semifinals against the eventual champion San Mig Super Coffee Mixers.

But the league’s crowd darlings struggled in the Commissioner’s Cup, in large part because of their import woes. Leon Rodgers was not the best fit for the squad, while his replacement Josh Powell left town after just two games to sign with the NBA’s Houston Rockets.

Freeman, meanwhile, was unable to make enough impact to save the team’s season.

The Gin Kings also struggled as they assistant coach Juno Sauler took on a more active role for the team, installing his offense during the short break between conferences.

Ginebra star point guard LA Tenorio said there’s no question about the team’s talent, but added it wasn’t enough.

“In terms of individual players, no doubt, we’re the talented team,” said Tenorio. “Pero talent is not enough for us to bring us at least to the semis. We need to be more focused, particularly on defense.”

But despite the disappointing finish, Tenorio remained hopeful for a relatively young Ginebra squad bannered by Japeth Aguilar and Greg Slaughter.

“I see a bright future in this team,” said Tenorio.