Just like any other ka-Barangay at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, and those watching at their homes, the legendary Robert Jaworski was disappointed with what he saw from the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on Thursday night.
The Gin Kings played as if they hadn’t come off a win the other night, receiving a vicious 81-102 beating from the well-deployed San Miguel Beermen in Game Four of their 2018 PBA Philippine Cup semifinals series.
“Ngayon lang ulit ako nanood ng live. I always watched on TV but there were times when I wasn’t able to watch. But today, they weren’t playing,” rued the 72-year-old.
“Their focus was not there. I don’t know why. Walang focus eh.”
Focus, indeed, was truly a concern for Ginebra, especially on defense, as they allowed the Beermen to shoot 52 percent from the floor — 12-of-25 from deep. Moreover, the Gin Kings were out-rebounded, 39-48.
“Well, look. They’re shooting threes, you are not even defending. What will happen ‘di ba? They’re picking apples yung mga tumitira ng threes. They got to work their butts out,” Jaworski thought.
The Barangay is now in a dangerous spot as they’re down 1-3 in the best-of-seven series. For sure, the “Never Say Die” spirit — the one Jaworski made famous — is expected from them, but for Jaworski, it’s easier said than done.
“Hindi sinasabi iyon eh, ginagawa.
“I want to say that they are tired. I wanna say that to get back in the series. But they got to do more than what they did tonight,” said Jaworski, who played with and coached for Ginebra for 14 years.
However, the 13-time champion and one-time league Most Valuable Player is doing his best to understand the circumstances of the Barangay prior to reaching the conference’s penultimate phase.
“They have a hard journey, before the semis, and this time it isn’t easy, they’re playing San Miguel. They have to put a lot of effort and desire together.”
But the former senator’s Thursday night wasn’t all about disappointment, as he bumped into an old friend in PSC commissioner Ramon Fernandez, who was also at the Mall of Asia Arena to watch Game Four.
Jaworski and Fernandez were teammates with the Toyota franchise for 11 years, including their MICAA days.
“Well, I’m happy to see him.
“It’s fine and wonderful. It’s good that he was able to watch. A friend invited me to watch today and I’m happy,” said Jaworski.
