Still Furious

Lost in the superb performances by KKS Bataan Bomber Gary David, KKS Captain Crunch Alex Cabagnot, Spiderman Arwind Santos and KKS Mr Cool Chris Lutz in the recent Philippine Cup was the reemergence of the most feared scorer in all of Philippine Basketball-- no other than Barangay Ginebra's Mark "The Spark" Caguioa.

He's baaaaaaaaacccckkkkk...

Though the Gin Kings failed to advance to the Pinoy Cup Finals, it was more due to an inconsistent coaching ploy (a so-so commitment in developing young talent) rather than the players-- specially Caguioa's overall performance. There was also an added distraction lingering over the Gin Kings' camp, with Caguioa's bossom buddy and backcourt partner Jayjay Helterbrand creating some drama with his "one conference contract" (which has ultimately and fortunately for Ginebra fans, extend until the end of the season).

But above all that, Caguioa continued to deliver for his team despite playing with young guys Rob Labagala, John Wilson, JC Intal and Rico Villanueva one night and then Mike Cortez, Helterbrand, Willy Wilson, Nino Canaleta (KKS will never call Canaleta KG-- ang layo ng laro ninyo boss) and Billy Mamaril the next. There were games that the Gin Kings could've easily won had their coaching staff decided to field in the right players around Caguioa given certain situations which could've helped their chances going into the semifinals, but that's all in the past now.

Will Caguioa come back strong in the Commissioner's Cup to reclaim his throne as being the PBA's Top Gun? Or has he already lost it (together with his first step due to age and injuries) to Powerade's hot-shooting Bataan Bomber and young guns like Rain or Shine's Paul Lee and Petron's Chris Lutz?