#PinoyVino: Mark Caguioa’s leadership takes Ginebra out of the cellar

#PinoyVino: Mark Caguioa’s leadership takes Ginebra out of the cellar

When Kobe Bryant turned back the hands of time with an awe-inspiring dunk over Josh Smith earlier this month against the Atlanta Hawks, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar quipped: “The vino is out of the barrel.”

Vino has since become Bryant’s latest nickname, a tribute to both his upbringing in Italy and how his game has aged like fine wine.

The PBA has its own charismatic superstar who has seemingly been defying father time, Mark Caguioa, who at 33 years old is playing some of the finest basketball of his career. The reigning Most Valuable Player once again came up big in Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s victory Sunday night over Talk ‘N Text, exploding for 28 points.

That performance, coupled with his scintillating showing last week against San Mig Coffee, has earned him comparisons to Bryant — so much so that people have started calling him Pinoy Vino.

But according to teammate Kerby Raymundo, Caguioa’s inspiration extends beyond the playing court.

“He’s the true leader of the team. Win or lose, parati siyang nagsasalita sa team,” Raymundo told InterAKTV.

“He shows the leadership even sa practice. Yung leadership niya, hindi puro sa points lang. He wants everyone to play hard every practice kaya naman nadadala namin sa game.”

Ginebra has now won back-to-back games. After beginning the Commissioner’s Cup with four straight losses, the Gin Kings have bounced back to book three victories in their last four games, putting them back in playoff contention.

And all thanks to Mark Caguioa, who’s aging like fine wine.

interaksyon