Hatfield, Seigle won’t play

Gone: Rudy Hatfield, Andy Seigle
Gain: Paul Artadi, Macky Escalona, JR Aquino
Mainstay: Mark Caguioa, JayJay Helterbrand, Erik Menk, Johnny Abarrientos, Rafi Reavis, Mark Macapagal, Mamaril, Rodney Santos, Ronald Tubid, Mike Holper

BARANGAY Ginebra fans have reason to rejoice and cause for despair when the Kings begin their PBA Philippine Cup title defense on Oct. 14.

First, the good news.

The dynamic duo of Mark Caguioa and Jayjay Helterbrand returns in Ginebra uniform to tend the Kings’ backcourt anew after totally missing out the 2006-07 Fiesta Cup to play with the RP men’s basketball team that saw action in three international tournaments, including the 24th FIBA-Asia Men’s Championship in Tokushima, Japan.

Now, the bad news.

Energetic forward Rudy Hatfield will no longer be around while do-it-all big man Rafi Reavis remains a doubtful presence for the Kings following the shoulder injury he underwent in the US a few months ago.

“Alam naman natin na walang katulad si Hatfield. There’s no other player who can provide the same energy that he (Hatfield) brings,” said coach Jong Uichico.

To make matters even worse, reserve center Andy Seigle's contract has not been renewed by the Ginebra management, leaving the team with only veteran Erik Menk and Billy Mamaril to tend the frontcourt.

The absence alone of three key players who were major pieces in the Kings’ successful title run last year already casts big uncertainties on the ballclub’s title retention bid.

But in the same breath as the Kings’ never-say-die spirit, Uichico has yet to concede on the team’s shot at a possible back-to-back title.

“There are players who have improved while these players (Hatfield and Co) were gone,” said the soft-spoken mentor.” I’m sure they will be ready to accept the challenge.”

Mamaril, son of former Ginebra stalwart Romulo, is one of them, along with long gunner Mark Macapagal and high leaper Mike Holper.

Besides, what the Kings lacked inside the paint, they more than made up by shoring up their backcourt.

In addition to Caguioa and Helterbrand, the league’s top two individuals when the Kings reigned in the Philippine Cup last season, Ginebra again signed up former PBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Johnny Abarrientos for another year, tabbed Macky Escalona of Ateneo from the draft and acquired speedster Paul Artadi from Purefoods.