Manila, Philippines – PBA Governors cup finals preview between the Meralco Bolts and Barangay Ginebra Kings.
History
Barangay Ginebra who already captured 8 championships and this is also their 21st Finals appearance in franchise history. On the other hand, this is the first final appearance of Meralco Bolts in their franchise since joining the league in the year of 2010. Although Tim Cone still the coach of Alaska Aces when they sweep the Barangay (3-0) on the 2013 Commissioner’s Cup.
The Coaches
In terms of awards and championship, Tim Cone will dominate in this category he already named as the winningest coach in PBA for 18 championships already. Tim Cone surpassed Legendary coach Baby Dalupan in 2014 when he got his 16 titles as coach of San Mig Coffee Mixers. While Norman Black is not far behind, he had 11 championships in his career already as PBA coach. Coming to this Governor’s cup Finals this will Tim Cone 30th while Norman Black his 17th finals appearance.
The Veterans
On this category we can’t see any differences as their veterans captured championship on the past.
Meralco Bolts
On the side of Meralco Bolts Jared Dillinger and Jimmy Alapag both have championship with their former team “TNT Phone Pals”, Dillinger had 5 championships while Alapag had 6 championships. Also, another veteran Reynel Hugnatan who is now playing his 18 year as a Professional from Negros Slasher, Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA) which was disbanded on July 26, 2002, he already captured 4 championship playing in Coca-Cola Tigers and Alaska Aces.
Barangay Ginebra
The Fast and The Furious in the PBA (Mark Caguioa and Jayjay Helterbrand) already have 4 championships each, they only played their entire life in Barangay Ginebra, joining them are Joe Devance and LA Tenorio, Devance had 6 championships, including the grand slam in “B-Meg Derby Ace Llamados” he also had a champion in Alaska Aces which Tenorio earned his first championship with their long time coach Tim Cone.
Explosive Rookie
Chris Newsome (Meralco Bolts)
A national rookie who is playing in the States in his High School and College days. Since he played for the Meralco Bolts, he showcase his athletic ability to dunk and to have a strong defense. He was the runner up when Rey Guevarra retains as SLAM DUNK champion this season, but his impressive performance is when he posterized Mychal Ammons plus a monster dunk with Ranidel De Ocampo on their game 3 of their semi’s.
Scottie Thompson (Barangay Ginebra)
A local player played University of Perpetual Help dubbed as a triple-double in NCAA. He extends his profile when he made history to tallied a triple-double in game 3 (12 points and 11 boards along with 10 assist) of the semi final. He was also the mastermind, why Barangay Ginebra is in the finals again after his double-double performance (24 points and 15 rebounds) in game 5.
So who has the advantage of this series?
Game 1 of their Finals will begin tomorrow at 7:00pm (Smart Araneta Coliseum)
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