SEN. Jinggoy Estrada believes the San Juan Knights are the Ginebra of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), saying they possess the same ‘never-say-die’ attitude that endeared the Kings to fans.
Estrada, who is also the team owner of the squad, said he is confident the Knights will once again be in the thick of the fight for a second straight championship in the Lakan Cup that will open on June 12.
“Ang masasabi ko lang sa team na ‘to, they have the determination, meron silang puso na manalo, and as far as I’m concerned ito ang Ginebra ng MPBL,” said Estrada during a press launch on Wednesday at the Café Ysabel in San Juan.
Estrada said that Ginebra-like fighting spirit was on display in Game Five of the Datu Cup Finals, when the Knights battled back from nine points down late in the game against the Davao Occidental Tigers to win the crown, 87-86.
“Because of their never-say-die attitude,” said Estrada, when asked to expound on his comparison to Ginebra. “Talagang if you remember our last game against Davao, talo na ‘yun eh. Pero the boys never gave up. They were really determined to win the championship."
The Knights expect stiff competition especially from four teams in Bicol, Iloilo, Mindoro, and Sarangani.
“Alam mo, it’s hard to repeat dahil maraming teams sa ngayon ang nagpalakas but we will still try our best,” said Estrada.
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