To say that Barangay Ginebra San Miguel is depleted in the ongoing PBA On Tour is a massive understatement.
That’s because the crowd darlings are without six of their stars—Christian Standhardinger, Japeth Aguilar, Scottie Thompson, Jamie Malonzo, Stanley Pringle, and LA Tenorio, who recently shared encouraging news on his battle with cancer.
"Malaking kawalan sa team sila kasi sila naman yung key players dito sa Ginebra," said Pinto about Ginebra’s sidelined stars. "Wala ng tutulong sa amin, kaya kami-kami na lang dahil hindi nga sila maglalaro this [preseason].
Another player, incoming sophomore Jeremiah Gray (9 points per game, 1-for-18 from deep), has been struggling massively with his shot, further compounding Ginebra’s personnel woes.
That means it is next man up for Ginebra, and quite a few are rising to the challenge.
Pinto has been one of them, posting per game averages of 12.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 6.7 assists. The veteran guard was particularly impressive on Wednesday, pouring in 22 points to help Gineba to a 95-89 win over the Phoenix LPG Fuel Masters at the Ynares Sports Center in Pasig.
But Pinto is not the only one stepping up for Ginebra.
Seldom-used Raymond Aguilar has also been playing well for Ginebra and is the team’s leading scorer at 16.7 points per game. Aljon Mariano has been stepping up as well, posting per game norms of 13.3 points and 8.0 caroms, along with his usual sturdy defense. Even Jayson David is showing out, contributing 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists in Ginebra’s win on Wednesday to raise his PBA On Tour averages to 7.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists.
“Opportunity namin na gamitin itong [PBA] On Tour para mag-grow ‘yung games namin, mag-improve kami, para pagdating ng regular season makatulong kami sa team," added Pinto. "’Yung mga naiwan sa regular lineup, opportunity namin ito to grow and maipakita namin yung talent namin.
Three games into the PBA On Tour, Ginebra’s “others” are doing exactly that.