Never say never, Jaworski tells Ginebra faithful as he leaves door open for return

"Andito lang naman ako lagi ... Hindi naman ako nawawala at hindi rin ako umaalis," says Robert Jaworski when asked about a return to basketball. Jerome Ascano

LEGEND Robert Jaworski left the door open for a return to basketball on Monday night, telling his fans especially the Barangay Ginebra faithful to "never say never."

Talking to Spin.ph after giving a pep talk to the Gilas Pilipinas team set to compete in the Fiba-Asia championships, the 67-year-old cage icon said he remains open to a return to a game where he remains among its most popular figures, 15 years after his last appearance as Barangay Ginebra coach.

"It's still an open option for me," said the 1978 PBA MVP.

The 'Big J' let out a mysterious smile when asked about the possibility of rejoining Ginebra, a team he led to unprecedented popularity while espousing the never-say-die spirit that endeared it to its legion of fans.

"Never say never," Jaworski said. "Andito lang naman ako lagi ... Hindi naman ako nawawala at hindi rin ako umaalis. I am still learning."

"Magta-try out nga dapat ako (dito sa Gilas) eh," the former senator added, breaking into a laugh.

The Hall of Famer also bared that he is in constant touch with reigning league MVP Mark Caguioa, who is largely recognized as his successor as Ginebra's talisman.

"Mabait 'yung bata na yun, saka mahusay ang shooting at skills n'ya," he said. "Saka may puso."

Asked to relay his message to Ginebra's faithful, Jaworski said: "Salamat po sa inyong pagmamahal. Andito lang ako. Never say never."