THE question could only be about Barangay Ginebra's readiness for this particular match.
In time, Justin Brownlee and the Gin Kings are expected to be right there in the mix, slugging it out with the best of them, being a tested champion team as they are.
But returning to action less than three weeks since their latest title run, do the Kings have the fire in their belly for this quick turnaround? Do they have the spring in their legs with the residue of the championship celebration still in the air? Do they have the desire this early to start cranking up in chase of another crown?
Then there's the Rain or Shine side hoping to pound the best opportunity to pull the rug from under Ginebra.
In another time, it's surely tough for the Elasto Painters to pull one against the Gin Kings. Just consider ROS' 0-3 conference start.
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The Gin Kings return to play as the PBA Season 47 Governors Cup swings back to the Smart Araneta Coliseum Sunday.
Ginebra and Rain or Shine face off at 6:45 p.m. with the Kings starting chase of a follow-up to their Commissioner's Cup diadem won in a 114-99 blowout of the Bay Area Dragons in the decider of a best-of-seven series last Jan. 15 before a record crowd of nearly 55,000 at the Philippine Arena.
Under Cone, Brownlee and Co. have won the Commissioner's Cup crown twice and the Governors Cup plum four times.
But they haven't pieced together both championships in one single season.
And that's the goal that should fuel the team's campaign in this Governors Cup.
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But it won't be easy, with all the other teams likely to be after Ginebra.
Then there's the extra load of working out with Gilas for Cone, Brownlee, Scottie Thompson, Jamie Malonzo and Japeth Aguilar.
The battle cry for these guys should be " to stay hungry." (SB)
