Ginebra knows it’s a long way to go

As thrilled as they are at snapping a two-game slide, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel leaders Mark Caguioa and LA Tenorio are keeping a tight lid on any unnecessary celebration.

Especially if it concerns import Josh Powell, the former LA Lakers center who took over from Leon Rodgers.

“One game pa lang naman ‘to, and I’m sure Meralco wasn’t able to scout our import well,” said Tenorio, who had 10 points and 7 assists as the Kings turned back the Bolts, 88-78, late Wednesday night in the PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

With its third win in seven games, Ginebra momentarily enjoyed a whiff of fresh air after being confined in a 9th place dungeon where a loss to the Bolts would have had disastrous consequences.

“At least, maganda-ganda ang break dahil nanalo,” said assistant coach Juno Sauler, who calls the shots for the Kings.

Powell, a member of two Lakers champion teams, had 16 points, 15 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks in 45 minutes in his debut.

His numbers weren’t exactly Best Import stuff, but they were enough to spark the languid Kings back to life.

Six Ginebra players were in double figures – a rare occurrence this conference. Rarer still was their 22 assists, an indication that the word ‘sharing’ is back in the Kings’ lexicon.

“Unlike before na di gumagalaw ang bola namin, now we’re moving it around,” said Caguioa, who had 13 points with 2 three-point shots and 4 assists.

Much of the credit for bringing back the flow in Ginebra’s stagnant offense is Powell’s transition game and quick swinging of the ball atop the keyhole from one side to the other that ultimately opened gaps in Meralco’s defense.

Though not in the mold of Ginebra’s traditional take-charge imports like Michael Hackett, Sylvester Grey and Chris King, Powell has given the Kings something the hot-scoring Rodgers, their original choice, couldn’t.

“Josh is more of a role player than a go-to-guy,” said Tenorio.

“He plays good defense, adds a couple of rebounds and blocks; yon ang kailangan namin,” said Caguioa. “Pag ganoon ang defense niya, mahahawa lahat.”

by tito talao
source: http://www.mb.com.ph/

tama si LA, role player si powell, he does every little things on the court and that is a big plus factor; marami tayong scorers at may towers tayo that should dominate the center and powell who can go big every game....go go go nsd, go go go powell