MANILA, Philippines-Amid a lingering title drought, Scottie Thompson hopes Barangay Ginebra can turn its frustration into fuel as the PBA opens its milestone 50th season.
‘I think it’s important for us to come into the season with hunger to win,’ Thompson said as the crowd darlings prepare to face the Magnolia Hotshots in their Philippine Cup opener on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum. The renewal of the storied ‘Manila Clasico’ rivalry marks the start of Ginebra’s bid to capture its first title since the 2022-2023 Commissioner’s Cup, when it defeated the guest team Bay Area Dragons before a record crowd of 54,000 at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
Since then, the Gin Kings have fallen short in three straight Finals appearances, all against TNT-in the 2023 Governors’ Cup and in both the Governors’ and Commissioner’s Cups last season. Their latest Philippine Cup campaign also ended in disappointment, as San Miguel Beer ousted them in the semifinals before going on to win the championship against TNT. ‘Those will serve as our motivation going into the season,’ Thompson said. ‘But we have to take things one game at a time-reach the Finals [first], and hopefully finish with a championship.’
With Jamie Malonzo leaving in the offseason to play in Japan’s B.League, Thompson, Stephen Holt, RJ Abarrientos, Troy Rosario, and Japeth Aguilar are expected to shoulder a bigger load for the Gin Kings.
Ginebra also fortified its lineup with rookie Sonny Estil and veteran big man Norbert Torres, who transferred from rival Meralco.