Entering the PBA bubble, Ginebra head coach Tim Cone knew that the season might be Mark Caguioa’s last ride with the Gin Kings.
It was only in January of this year when the 2012 PBA MVP re-upped with Ginebra for one more year.
Once the season started going, the 41-year-old rarely played. In fact, the 6-foot-2 guard only averaged just six minutes per contest inside the bubble.
Cone knew that Caguioa’s impact on his team will not be on the court but off of it. The 19-year veteran has become the team’s leader and motivator.
Moreover, he has taken the role of being the mentor for rookies Arvin Tolentino, Kent Salado, and Jerrick Balanza.
For this, Caguioa was even given the honor of cutting the PBA bubble’s net during the championship ceremony.
Having given Caguioa his ninth championship, Cone is hoping that they can have one more dance as they gun for another one.
“I’m hoping Mark Caguioa decides to play one more year only because he’s just such a presence on the team. He’s a presence in the locker room, he’s a presence at practice. Incredibly positive influence to the younger players,” he said.
“So I’m hoping he’ll come back and play one more year.”
Another player Cone wants to come back is Joe Devance.
Despite playing just 13 minutes a game, the 13-year vet has had games that saw him still deliver.
“And of course Joe,” said Cone about the 11-time champion.
