PBA PREVIEW: Can Kings regain its crown?

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel probably made the biggest splash of the offseason after acquiring Jones Cup Most Valuable Player LA Tenorio in a blockbuster deal.
The crafty point guard, who had some brilliant performances for the SMART-Gilas Pilipinas national team over the break, was considered the big prize in what was essentially a five-team deal that also saw marquee players like JVee Casio, Willie Miller and Dondon Hontiveros moving to different teams.
The arrival of Tenorio gives the crowd darlings a huge offensive option beside the rejuvenated Mark Caguioa, who carried a big load last season en route to winning the PBA MVP award.
“LA will play a huge role on our team,” said Ginebra coach Siot Tanquingcen. “He would be one of the main guys and I think he would fit well with Mark.”
Despite the buzz surrounding their new acquisition, there’s plenty more to be excited about than just Tenorio, and Tanquingcen points to rookies Keith Jensen and Chris Ellis as examples of those.
“The acquisition of LA is huge but the additions of Jensen and Ellis bring an added dimension in terms of athleticism and excitement to our game.”
The Gin Kings are looking primed to be successful in the run-and-gun game that has endeared them to their very passionate fanbase, although they do lose a little bit of size after shipping SMART-Gilas backup Enrico Villanueva off to Barako Bull during the offseason.
Tanquingcen doesn’t feel like expectations have skyrocketed in light of the new additions to the team, but he certainly is hopeful that his team can be a serious threat this season.
“I think just like everyone else, we come into every season hoping we could win a title.”
Outlook: With Caguioa and Tenorio, Ginebra could have the best starting backcourt in the league. And with Jayjay Helterbrand and Mike Cortez able to fill in at those spots, the Ginebra guard rotation — a traditional strength for the franchise dating back to the Jaworski days — is set.
The frontcourt is a bit trickier. At the wings, Ginebra has a virtual air force with Dylan Ababou, Allein Maliksi, Rico Maierhofer, and rookie Chris Ellis. The power forward spot is manned by undersized big men Rudy Hatfield, Willy Wilson, and Elmer Espiritu, as well as rookie Keith Jensen.