PBA great Robert Jaworski tells Ginebra players to “communicate on defense” and more during halftime in Game 6 of the semifinals series between the Kings and San Mig Coffee Mixers. Ginebra, drawing motivation from the “Living Legend,” rallied in the second half to win. MARK GIONGCO
MANILA, Philippines—Far removed from his playing days, Robert Jaworski, the ‘Living Legend’ himself, can still weave his magic on his former team Barangay Ginebra.
The Kings shot themselves on the foot with an erratic first half showing as the Mixers jumped out to an early double-digit lead before settling for a 50-41 halftime edge.
And it didn’t take long before the charismatic Jaworski made a surprise yet seemingly predictable visit inside the Ginebra dugout.
“It was a really big lift for us,” the seven-foot rookie Greg Slaugter said of the brief halftime talk by former Ginebra playing-coach Jaworski.
“Going into halftime we were down nine and he gave us advice, some very wise advice and we really got fired up. I think he really helped us out.”
Jaworski’s pep talk was simple, “Enjoy the game and give the fans what they deserve.”
Ginebra, led by LA Tenorio’s eight points in third quarter, put the Hall of Famer’s words to heart as the Kings quickly cut the Mixers’ nine-point lead to just one, 74-73, entering the final frame—gaining enough momentum to steal the win and force a deciding game set on Wednesday night.
Jaworski said he’d watch again in Game 7 and who knows what kind of message he has to say when Ginebra finds itself down again in the first half.
One thing’s for sure, Jaworski’s never-say-die mantra never grows old.
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