Cone has new offensive option after David proves worth
The Barangay Ginebra locker room was filled with ecstasy, especially after Jayson David took advantage of being placed on the active roster and played heavy minutes in blowing NorthPort out of the water in a PBA Philippine Cup elimination round game on Wednesday.
David emerged as an unlikely story of the Gin Kings’ 131-106 rout of the Batang Pier at Philsports Arena in Pasig City, as his 25 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two steals in 21 minutes allowed him to have one shining moment in a young pro career spent mostly on the sidelines the last three years.
“I understand the situation we have here at Ginebra,” David said in Filipino. “We have a loaded lineup from LA Tenorio to Nards Pinto. We have a stacked lineup from top to bottom.”
Throughout the PBA season prior to Wednesday, David was in street clothes and playing the role of cheerleader in every Ginebra game while waiting patiently for the opportunity.
His chance came after Ginebra placed Tenorio on the unrestricted free agent list, as the veteran floor general will shift his focus as coach of Gilas Pilipinas for the Seaba qualifiers of the Fiba Asia U-16 later this month in Pampanga.
Game’s best
Most of the damage David did came in the second half, when the outcome was already settled as Ginebra was enjoying a comfortable lead. He went 8-of-9, knocking down mostly attempts from the outside.
He also scored underneath, prompting celebrations and gestures from teammates at the Ginebra bench.
David got the nod as Player of the Game and joined coach Tim Cone at the postgame podium for the customary press conference.
Later, David got soaked by teammates in the locker room, then had a playful jersey exchange with Raymond Aguilar.
“I’m so blessed that I was able to get back in the lineup,” said David.
Meanwhile, TNT will be hoping to start a turnaround and get out of its miserable start in the tournament on Friday against Phoenix as the PBA visits the new Ynares Center in Montalban, Rizal, for the first time.
The Tropang 5G are eyeing a breakthrough first win at 7:30 p.m. after dropping their first two matches that cast doubt on their chances to complete just the sixth Grand Slam in league history.
Another loss would set an alarming mood for coach Chot Reyes’ squad, which will try to pull off the trifecta without import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson plus dealing with the injury of team skipper Jayson Castro.
Phoenix is struggling at 1-3, its recent loss came against Magnolia, 118-99, in Zamboanga City.
NLEX goes for a 3-1 record in the 5 p.m. opener with Blackwater, fresh from a blowout victory also over NorthPort the previous Friday.
