BOCAUE – Fittingly, Barangay Ginebra credited its sixth man for winning one of the most memorable championships in franchise history.
From team governor Alfrancis Chua to coach Tim Cone all the way to the players, the Kings acknowledged they couldn’t have clinched the PBA Commissioner’s Cup title at the expense of the Bay Area Dragons without the all-out support of their legion of fans.
“Lahat na-scout nila, pero kayo hindi nila na-scout,” said Chua in addressing the pro-Ginebra crowd moments after the franchise won Game 7 of the title series, 114-99, before a record attendance of 54,589 fans at the Philippine Arena.
READ: Ginebra pulls off Game 7 romp over Bay Area
“Wala sila n'yan sa China. Sa Pilipinas lang meron. Maraming salamat sa sakripisyo,” he added. “Grabe kayo. Ginebra!.”
Cone also cited the fans for him winning his 25th championship in the league.
“As much as I would like to take the credit, I can’t. It’s really the crowd who really lifts all of us, including myself,” said the Ginebra coach. “You have great responsibility, so you have to take care of them.”
Barangay Ginebra team captain LA Tenorio said it best though.
"Sila yung secret weapon namin," was how he described the legion of Ginebra fans.