IN the first quarter of Game Four of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals, Barangay Ginebra erupted when Mark Caguioa scored a fade-away shot over Rain or Shine star James Yap in a battle between two of the most enduring stars in the league.
A few hours later, Caguioa was celebrating with his teammates after the Kings got another chance at a championship when they beat the Elastopainters, 3-1.
For this series, the 38-year-old Caguioa will be eyeing his seventh PBA title. In his collection are two Philippine Cup crowns, two Fiesta Cup diadems, and two Governors’ Cup titles.
Incidentally though, Caguioa has yet to win a Commissioner’s Cup crown in his illustrious 17-year career as the Kings have yet to win the second conference since the league reverted to the three-conference format in the 2010-2011 season.
Caguioa won the Most Valuable Player the following season, but the Kings didn’t make it to the finals in each of the three conferences that year.
The Ginebra veteran, however, said he is not focused on personal achievements, especially at this time of his career, as he is just happy for the team that the Kings got a crack at another finals.
“I’m not really worried about that. I’m just happy that we are here sa finals again,” said Caguioa. “In this day and age of, you know, my career, I’m just glad na nakakabalik kami sa finals.”
While Ginebra is facing a formidable team in San Miguel, Caguioa believes winning the Commissioner’s Cup crown is achievable. He also thinks the Kings don’t need to look very far for motivation against the Beermen as they lost, 4-1, in last year’s Philippine Cup finals series.
“I think it adds extra motivation na we play them in the last Finals sa All-Filipino and we lost. They’re a very strong team but I think it’s pretty doable, I think we can match with them,” said Caguioa.
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