FORMER Ginebra star Noli Locsin said he is hardly bothered by the Gin Kings' struggles in the PBA Commissioner's Cup, saying the talent-laden team is bound to turn the corner.
He also knows what he's talking about.
The now-retired Locsin has preached patience amid disenchantment from fans over Ginebra's long title drought, saying even the great Ginebra teams of Robert Jaworski have gone through rough patches.
"Oo first two years ko (sa PBA) iilan-ilan lang ang panalo namin noon," said Locsin, who endured a losing season with Ginebra after the franchise made him the first pick overall of the 1994 rookie draft.
It was not until he was joined by Marlou Aquino, Bal David, Vince Hizon seasons later did Ginebra start winning championships in the final years of Jaworski's legendary career, Locsin pointed out.
Just like those old Ginebra teams, the process of putting together all that talent to form a championship team takes time.
"Darating din 'yan (championship)," said the Bacolod native, now 43. "Unang-una bago pa lang silang magkakasama, madaming bago. 'Yun lang pasensiya (ang kailangan) at tuloy lang ang suporta."
The 6-2 Locsin, who spent six seasons with Ginebra, said he has no doubt that success will inevitably come for this current Ginebra roster that is blessed with a huge amount of talent.
"Sana pasensiya ng konti dahil alam naman natin napakalakas ng lineup (ng Ginebra)," he said. "So babawi at babawi 'yan, good luck sa kanila, sana lang suportahan nila."
Locsin was one of the most applauded players during Saturday's Greats vs. Stalwarts game, something he attributed to his link with Ginebra's glorious championship teams.
"Swerte ko lang siguro naglaro ako sa Ginebra," said the three-time All-Star. "Alam mo naman pag sa Ginebra ka naglaro madami fans ang team."
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