In what has become a tradition, living legend Robert Sonny Jaworski was in attendance to support the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel as they faced another do-or-die encounter, Thursday night. And he has a good track record when he is in attendance, as Ginebra have only lost once with him in the stands.
And every time the former senator is in the building, current Ginebra head coach Tim Cone makes sure to give him the floor during halftime.
“Nothing really. I just said, ‘Let’s go! and adjust a little on defense'” Jaworski, who was Ginebra’s coach from 1984-1998, shared about what he told the Gin Kings during halftime.
Though it was “nothing” for him, it inspired Justin Brownlee and the rest of the Barangay as they blew the game wide-open during the third frame and even led by as much as 32 points, 125-93, during the final frame.
But for one of the greatest players to ever play the game, he felt that Ginebra had exerted a lot of effort this game.
“I think they came prepared, although they got to work more on their defense to really comeback,” thought Jaworski as the Katropa shot 45 percent from the field while knocking down 13 triples.
“Honestly they can do more, they can do better. Especially on defense. It’s just like a round robin on the other side.
“Meaning, lack of pressure. If they do that, they can win the next game,” he declared, wanting Ginebra to force more than 17 turnovers come the next game.
Moreover, he believes that the Barangay should come out in full force on Friday, June 17, as the series heads to the Mall of Asia Arena.
“All the basketball fans, please come and watch. It’s a very important game for both teams. One would probably tie it and come up with the last game,” the PBA Hall of Famer hoped.
“They have close to similar talents. Come and watch and enjoy the game and I hope Ginebra wins.”