Injuries to Aguilar, Raymundo may fast-track Ginebra bid to reactivate Menk

Ginebra is aware of Eric Menk’s reduced role with the Beermen in the recent ABL season, but the Kings are in dire need of help at the frontcourt. Jerome Ascano

IN a desperate attempt to shore up its decimated frontline, Barangay Ginebra coach Ato Agustin said management is keen on reactivating veteran big man Eric Menk as the team tries to fight for a spot in the top four of the ongoing PBA Governors Cup.

The 6-foot-5 Menk, the league’s MVP in the 2004-2005 season, is coming off a back-up role with the Barangay Ginebra’s sister team San Miguel last June, helping the Beermen bag a maiden Asean Basketball League championship.

Though slowed down by age and injuries in recent years, Agustin said Menk’s name cropped up during Sunday night’s meeting with management after Ginebra suffered its third loss in four outings, bowing to Alaska, 99-102, on Sunday.

“Yes, of course, may plano kami (to get a big man). Meron silang (management) ni-recommend at nabanggit yung pangalan ni Eric Menk,” Agustin told Spin.ph.

Agustin said he’s well aware of Menk’s reduced role with the Beermen in the recent ABL season, but with veteran forward Kerby Raymundo and just last week, Japeth Aguilar, out with injuries, they have no choice but to search for a replacement.

“Sa ngayon kulang kami. Imagine, Kerby Raymundo and Japeth are out. Wala kaming big men. Only Billy (Mamaril) and Rico (Maierhofer),” he added.

Former PBA MVP Agustin, who coached Petron to a championship in the Governors Cup two years ago, said he’ll have to wait for management’s go-signal for Menk to come in though he admits they badly need the backup this conference.

In 19 ABL games with the Beermen, Menk averaged 4.9 points and 2.1 rebounds in 14 minutes of action, serving as a backup to league MVP and teammate Asi Taulava.