On Sunday night, Barangay Ginebra showed up clad in retro uniforms during its 90-89 victory over the Meralco Bolts in the Oppo PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
The classic jerseys were worn to pay tribute to the 1991 Robert Jaworski-led Ginebra squad which overcame a 3-1 deficit against Shell in the First Conference championship.
Andrew Tan, head of operations of Jersey Haven, Ginebra’s official jersey maker, told InterAksyon that the uniforms were completed just a few hours before the Gin Kings’ game against the Bolts.
“It was a very short notice. We were informed only last Tuesday, so we have to rush it,” Tan said.
“Kaninang umaga (Sunday) lang natapos so we have to deliver it right at the venue.”
And just like their predecessors, the Gin Kings pulled off a pulsating win which improved the Gin Kings’ chances of nabbing a twice-to-beat ticket.
Ginebra coach Tim Cone said he’s glad that his team was able to pay respect to the old Ginebra squads with a victory.
“We didn’t play absolutely fantastic, but I thought we had a little bit of ‘never say die’ tonight,” Cone said. “So I’m hoping that we honor the ’91 team, and all the teams before us every night when we go out and put our jerseys on.”
“It’s important for the fans to remember the history of the league, and remember those that came before us. And by wearing an older jersey, the retro jersey, the young kids will ask, ‘What was that all about’?
“And they hear about Jaworski and all those guys. It’s always great when we recognize the people before us, and that’s why I like these ideas, these retro jerseys.”
