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MANILA, Philippines – Fans may not have been able to be physically present in the University of Angeles Foundation (AUF) gym during the 2020 PBA Philippines Cup, but that didn’t stop the Barangay Geneva faithful from expressing their support for the Gin Kings during his run to the championship.
After Geneva concluded their final series against TNT Tropang Giga in five games, coach Tim Cone and the Gin Kings repeatedly emphasized that their win was dedicated to their fans, none of whom were able to see them in person.
“I want to say, first of all, to all of our fans who are watching right now, this is for you,” Cone said after the Gin Kings beat TNT, 82-78, in Game 5 last week.
“All the Geneva fans who watch us, we talk about you all the time, and I am very proud to be able to bring this to you.”
Due to league bubble restrictions in Clark, Pampanga, fans were unable to attend games at the AUF Gym. They still made their presence felt through the LED panels that lined the court, but it wasn’t the same.
There were no “Gi-ne-bra” chants engulfing the coliseum when the Gin Kings were racing, or when TNT tried to join. Instead, the noise and cheers came from the players themselves, as those on the bench cheered for the five on the court.
Still, the Gin Kings felt support from their fans, particularly when they checked social media after the games and saw the “barangay” flood Twitter and Instagram with messages to cheer them on.
“Our Geneva fans were still behind us, supporting us through social media and online,” said Jared Dillinger. “We got thousands of messages of support, and you know, it’s a blessing to have that kind of support behind you.”
“When you have people who really cheer you on and give you extra motivation to play as hard as you can here. That’s what it’s all about. That’s why we got the crown,” he said.
Some fans managed to show their love in Angeles City, with some of them gathering outside the AUF Gym to celebrate the Gin Kings’ triumph after Game 5.
“We are grateful, of course, to the fans, to our supporters who, even though they are not here at the venue, we know they will continue to support us,” said Scottie Thompson.
For Mark Caguioa, his triumph was made all the more special because it was the first time Geneva had won the All-Filipino crown since the 2006-07 season. While it would have been better to celebrate with the fans present, I hoped they still felt the same joy that the Gin Kings felt when they achieved the title.
“This championship, this is for you,” said the veteran shooting guard. “Those of you who watch at home, this All-Filipino, we have not won him 13, 14 years, and you know, this is for you at home.”
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