After being in the trenches for many years, Ginebra players and LA Tenorio now find themselves on opposing sides to start the PBA's historic 50th season.
The Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings enter the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup against LA Tenorio, with their former captain set to make his coaching debut with Magnolia.
Ginebra and Magnolia clash Sunday, Oct. 5, 7:30 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, with the Gin Kings looking to flex their depth and experience against their Manila Clasico rivals in what promises to be a fiery curtain-raiser.
[RELATED STORY: Tenorio not exactly making big deal of Manila Clasico, but excited to face ex-team Ginebra]
This will be no ordinary matchup for Ginebra. Across the floor will be Tenorio, their long-time court general now steering Magnolia from the sidelines.
While the spotlight shines on his transition, Ginebra has quietly retooled and reloaded in the offseason.
The Gin Kings lost Jamie Malonzo, who took his talents to Kyoto Hannaryz in the Japan B.LEAGUE, but they quickly shored up their frontcourt by acquiring Norbert Torres to back up Japeth Aguilar inside.
Ginebra also made waves in the Draft, selecting Sonny Estil, the surprising first-round pick who topped the Draft Combine MVP. Estil will be making his highly-awaited PBA debut, adding intrigue to the rotation.
[ALSO READ: Marlou Aquino nostalgic as he reunites with ex-teammate Kelly Williams in PBA Homecoming]
For coach Tim Cone’s squad, this season carries weight. Ginebra hasn’t lifted a title since its 2023 Commissioner’s Cup conquest over Bay Area Dragons, and while they reached the Finals twice last season, both ended in heartbreak against TNT.
That hunger will fuel them in this Manila Clasico showdown.
With a mix of familiar veterans, intriguing new pieces, and the burning desire to reclaim championship form, Ginebra is more than ready to play the spoiler role and remind Magnolia—and their old leader Tenorio—that the Gin Kings
remain one of the league’s toughest squads to beat.
[ALSO READ: PBA: Magnolia ace Zavier Lucero wants to win championship for veteran teammates]
(With reports from Jan Ballesteros)
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]