The Barangay Ginebra San Miguel may be off to a good start in the 2018 Governors’ Cup, but that doesn’t hide the fact that the reigning, two-time champions are dealing with an issue right now.
The crowd darlings are making do with what they have as they got bitten hard by the injury bug — veterans Joe DeVance and Sol Mercado and rookie Julian Sargent are all on the sidelines.
“We have a short bench.
“We’re not deep. We’re missing guys,” said head coach Tim Cone after the Barangay’s 109-101 win over Alaska Aces Sunday, where they only had a nine-man rotation.
But injuries, as much as it’s unfortunate, is actually a blessing for those on the bench. And in the Barangay’s case, it is sophomore forward Kevin Ferrer who’s seizing such opportunity.
In their win over the Milkmen, Ferrer logged in 25 minutes and 35 seconds and produced 11 points and four rebounds — the 25-year-old was the Barangay’s third-best performer.
“Yun yung sistema namin ngayon. Kailangan namin mag-step up lalo na ang laking kawalan samin si Joe. Ayun ying fini-fill namin sa team,” said the former UST Growling Tiger.
“‘Di ko na iniisip kung ilang minutes ako naglalaro, basta manalo okay na yun sakin, tsaka nakakatulong ako sa team.”
Ferrer is fully aware that stepping up in lieu of the versatile Devance is a tall order to fulfill. But the 6-foot-3 wingman doesn’t have any qualms, as he’s all about helping the team win.
“Kahit anong role na bibigay sa’min, gagawin namin,” assured Ferrer, a former Gilas Pilipinas Cadet.
“Bibigay namin yung one hundred ten percent namin para manalo yung team.”
