The Barangay Ginebra Kings are touted as the team that can really hold a candle with reigning PBA Philippine Cup three-peat champ San Miguel Beer.
With their own star-studded, talent-laden line-up headed by twin behemoths Greg Slaughter and Japeth Aguilar, the Kings look well to have a legitimate shot at the all-Filipino crown that has been elusive to the team in the last 10 years.
Winner of the recent PBA Governors Cup, Ginebra starts chase of a rare back-to-back title runs in tangling with Magnolia in a PBA Christmas Day special at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
"I have to admit dehado kami. Kahit sino naman kalaban ng Ginebra, hirap mu-match-up sa kanila dahil ang laki ng frontline nila then they have veteran backcourt players," said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero.
Victolero, however, was quick to add that Ginebra is definitely not unbeatable.
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"We're preparing for the game positive and with great optimism. We'll prepare to have the chemistry and teamwork to overcome their roster power advantage," said Victolero.
"Kung maglalaro kami as a team on both ends of the playing court, may laban kami dyan," he added.
Paul Lee made a rousing comeback from an injury and led the Hotshots to a 108-95 drubbing of the Alaska Milk Aces last Wednesday at The Arena in San Juan.
"Mas mabigat nga lang ang Ginebra. They have the edge in our head-on matches," said Victolero whose team ended on the losing end of the 2017 Christmas Day showdown between these two teams also at the Philippine Arena.
They later figured in a tough semi-finals matchup, with the Gin Kings prevailing in the deciding Game Seven. The Kings also won their most recent tiff in the Governors Cup which Ginebra subsequently ruled on its conquest of Meralco in the finale.
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"We have to deal with Greg Slaughter and Japeth Aguilar inasmuch as we have to handle well LA Tenorio, Sol Mercado and Scottie Thompson who are all efficient operators at the backcourt," said Victolero.
But the Kings are expected to come in well prepared in an effort to give their fans and themselves the best Christmas gift.
Their champion team is intact, with the team having only one new recruit in former UP player Jett Manuel.
