EVEN The Flash wasn’t fast enough to escape the 1990s Barangay Ginebra bruise brothers.
While most rookies get their “Welcome to the PBA moments” from physical opponents, Bal David received his rude welcome from two Ginebra teammates known for their resolute defense and rugged play.
Bal David on his 'Welcome to the PBA' moment
“Kinakabahan pa nga ako nung unang practice ko eh dahil nakikita ko si Wilmer Ong tsaka si Benny Cheng eh,” David recalled with a laugh on SPIN Zoom In.
Taken by Ginebra as a free agent after being left unsigned by Sunkist as its third-round and 22nd overall pick in the 1995 PBA Draft, a gangling David got a taste of the PBA brand of physicality from his two teammates.
“Minasahe ‘ko nung dalawang ‘yun eh. Salbaheng mga mama,” David continued with a chuckle.
“Mabait naman sila off the court eh,” he was quick to add of the Filipino-Chinese big men.
Cheng was a key player when Mapua won back-to-back NCAA championships in 1990 and 1991, before living up to being a role player for Ginebra in the 1990s.
The 6-foot-4 Ong, on the other hand, is a 1990 national youth team player who became the ninth overall pick in the 1994 PBA Draft before nurturing an 11-year pro career.
But they weren’t just the Ginebra tough guys during that time.
“Tapos makikita mo pa sila Noli (Locsin). Ang titigas eh,” David said.
“Suwerte’t naging kakampi natin,” he added.
Toughened by his teammates in practice, David went on to carve a name as a Ginebra great, winning two titles, becoming a four-time All-Star, and being part of the 1996 Mythical Second team.
Watch the full SPIN Zoom In episode with Bal David below.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
