Gin Kings using Gilas as way of coping from bitter end of Governors’ Cup reign

It’s human nature to find ways to cope in rough times.

And for Barangay Ginebra San Miguel stars Greg Slaughter, Japeth Aguilar, Scottie Thompson, and LA Tenorio, joining Gilas Pilipinas in their preparations for the 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers’ fifth window is their way.

The quartet have yet to mend their broken hearts after what happened Friday. The Gin Kings saw the downfall of their two-year reign in the PBA Governors’ Cup following a crushing 108-112 defeat to Magnolia Hotshots.

“Well siyempre we’re all disappointed and we’re all sad on what happened,” said Tenorio, one of the Barangay’s elder statesmen.

“Nahihirapan pa rin dun sa nangyari sa game namin,” seconded the much-younger Thompson.

The quartet joined Gilas on Sunday evening, just two days after the loss. And they’re grateful that there is a Gilas that they can go to, as they all believe it will help speed up the healing of their deep wounds.

“After a day or two, good thing we have Gilas also na – yun nga, we have the opportunity to at least get up and move forward and learn something new each and everyday,” said Tenorio, who’s back in the program after two years.

“Para sa akin, move on na. Focus muna sa national team,” said Aguilar, himself a national team mainstay since 2009.

“Pero you know learning experience yung naging series namin. So take what you learn na lang and move on.”

“Excited kami to start ulit,” Thompson said.

The whole Barangay may still be reeling from Friday night’s downer, but the inclusion of their heroes to the national team brings them no small sense of pride. And that will definitely shoot up should all four Gin Kings make the final cut.

“Yeah. It’s nice,” Slaughter said.

“Just to have all the guys over here and finally get this show on the road,”