Kings try to boost semis bid vs Tigers

Barangay Ginebra hopes that the latest addition in its backcourt will boost its chance for an outright slot in the semifinals when it battles the unpredictable Coca-Cola Tigers in the PBA Fiesta Cup this Sunday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

The acquisition of veteran point guard Mike Cortez from Air21 has given the Kings (9-6) additional firepower in their drive for an automatic semifinal berth.

The Kings take the floor against the Tigers at 6:30 p.m.

Facing off in the curtain raiser at 4 p.m. are Sta. Lucia Realty (4-10) and Barako Bull Coffee (2-13).

Ginebra is fresh from a 107-86 win over the Coffee Masters last Wednesday. Denham Brown, playing his second game as the Kings’ third reinforcement, scored 26 points with 16 rebounds.

However, focus is on the 6-foot Cortez.

“It’s not necessarily new dimension, but a good addition to the team,” said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico, referring to Cortez, whose arrival will allow Willie Miller, who was also acquired this conference from Alaska, to spend more time at the two-guard spot with Mark Caguioa.

Cortez, a recipient of the PBA Press Corps Comeback Player of the Year in 2009, is expected to bring leadership and stability in the Kings’ offense alongside mainstays Jayjay Helterbrand and Celino Cruz.

The Kings downed the Tigers in their initial meeting this conference (98-91) last April 4, and with the way things are going, Ginebra is favored to beat Coke in their rematch.

“It’s the crucial part of the classification. A win will be crucial in our bid,” Uichico added.

Coca-Cola is nursing a 102-104 setback to Air21, but even with the team struggling, head coach Bo Perasol said they still have to go all-out.

“We need to do a better job of matching up with the backcourt and wingmen of Ginebra,” Perasol said. “Whatever situation we will be in at the end of classification, we have to make sure that everything is already in place.”

As for the match featuring Sta. Lucia and Barako Bull Coffee, both teams will not only try to bounce back from a recent defeat – with the Realtors losing to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (81-91) – but more importantly, they hope to solidify their respective bids for a wildcard spot.

In their first meeting last March 21, Barako Bull Coffee stunned Sta. Lucia, 97-93, as import Sam Monroe scored 39 points and 11 rebounds.

Ginebra ships Mamaril to Air21 for Cortez
Barangay Ginebra and Air21 swapped players on Saturday when the Express dealt playmaker Mike Cortez to the Kings in exchange for forward Billy Mamaril.

This was confirmed by Air21 team governor and PBA board chairman Lito Alvarez after meeting Ginebra counterpart Robert Non in finalizing the one-on-one trade involving the two veteran players.

“Our weakness is the bigman spot. We know that Billy can really help us, he can deliver, he can play quality minutes,” Alvarez said. “The reason we let go of Mike is because we’re deep at the point guard position with Wynne Arboleda, Egay Billones and William Ramsey.”

“Plus, our new import Leroy Hickerson can play the point guard spot,” added Alvarez.

A former top overall pick during the 2003 PBA Rookie Draft, the 29-year-old Cortez will be playing in his fourth team after stints with Alaska, San Miguel Beer and Air21. He won a title with the Aces three years ago afte coming back from an ACL injury.

The 6-foot Cortez is expected to play an important role in the Ginebra backcourt, with last season’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) Jayjay Helterbrand bothered by a leg injury. He will share playing minutes orchestrating the Kings’ offense with Celino Cruz.

The 6-foot-6 Mamaril, son of former Ginebra player Romulo Mamaril, will also be with his fourth team in the pro league after he was taken sixth overall by Purefoods in the ‘06 Draft, and suited for Coca-Cola.

Mamaril is expected to boost the frontline of Air21, joining Beau Belga, Carlo Sharma, Rich Alvarez, Ronnie Matias and Doug Kramer.

Games Sunday (Ninoy Aquino Stadium)
4 p.m. — Barako Bull Coffee vs Sta. Lucia
6:30 p.m. — Ginebra vs Coca-Cola