Barangay Ginebra San Miguel had a great conference last conference in the elimination which shows some highlights similar to “Lob City” of the Los Angeles Clippers.
If the Clippers have DeAndre Jordan and the rim-reaper Blake Griffin throwing dunks off a lob pass from either Chris Paul or Jamal Crawford, the Gin Kings have also Gilas stalwart Japeth Aguilar and ex-Gilas cadet Chris Ellis reaping the rim off nice passes from LA Tenorio and Jayjay Helterbrand.
Leo Rodgers as Import
Though undrafted in the NBA 2002 draft, Rodgers has brought his basketball talent overseas, seeing action in leagues in France, Netherlands, Germany, Puerto Rico, China, Venezuela and Colombia.
He made a name for himself in Netherlands after winning the MVP in the Dutch League for three consecutive seasons (2005-2007).
However, Tenorio was quick to temper expectations, saying that no one will really know how good the 33-year-old American journeyman really is until he rounds into shape and plays in an actual game.
“Alam mo naman ang fans ng Ginebra, very passionate,” Tenorio told Spin.ph, when asked about Ginebra fans’ high expectations of the high-scoring import. “Medyo kailangan pa niya (Rodgers) ng conditioning kasi may jetlag pa since kakarating lang naman kahapon (Monday).”
“Pero very positive ang feedback sa kanya saka mataas ang morale ng team sa practice,” said Tenorio, whose team is also trying to shake off its painful Philippine Cup semifinal series defeat to San Mig in seven games more than a week ago.
“I hope to bring experience and winning ways to the team,” said Rodgers, best remembered for scoring 66 points after burying a CBA-record 15 three-point conversions in a game with the Tigers on March 11, 2009.
“I’ve heard great things about the PBA and Ginebra, and I’m excited to go out there and play.”