Uichico, Tanquincen back in PBA finals – on opposite ends

MANILA, Philippines – Jong Uichico and Siot Tanquingcen are back in the finals, but found themselves at the opposite end when Game 1 of the Motolite-PBA Fiesta Cup Finals between defending champion Ginebra and top seed San Miguel begins to grind at the Araneta Coliseum Wednesday. While he didn’t admit it directly, Tanquingcen obviously feels uneasy going up against the man who mentored him a few years ago. “This is something new because I’m up against coach Jong for the first time in the finals," said the soft-spoken mentor. “Magkasama kami sa Ginebra bench in the last Ginebra-SMB finals," he recalled. And knowing how good a coach Uichico is, Tanquingcen is gearing himself for a protracted tactical battle. “Siguradong pag-iisipin ako ng husto ni coach Jong," added the San Miguel mentor. Only two years ago, Uichico and Tanquingcen were winning championship together with Barangay Ginebra, a time when the Kings had to rally back from an 0-2 deficit to stun San Miguel and bag the 2007 Philippine Cup. Dubbed “Sister Act IV," the meeting will be the fourth time the sister teams dispute the championship, with the Beermen holding a 2-1 edge after winning the first two showdowns – the 1989 Reinforced Conference and 2001 All Filipino Cup. Uichico is looking forward to even things up, although he’s aware it’s not easy going up against his former team and one-time assistant. “Siot knows every move I make, being with me for so many years," he said of Tanquingcen, his former assistant when he was winning championships with the Beermen until 2003 when Siot was tapped to call the shots for the Kings. Tanquingcen would win two titles with Ginebra, but would eventually slide back as an assistant when Uichico arrived in 2007. Later that year, Chot Reyes began to concentrate with the national team and had to give up his post as Beermen coach, paving the way for Tanquingcen’s assumption of the team’s coaching chores. Uichico is seeking his ninth title after winning six with San Miguel and two with Ginebra. On the other hand, Tanquingcen will be shooting for his third championship. The sister teams arranged the best-of-seven title duel by disposing their respective semifinal opponents in six games. The Beermen clinched their league-record 29th finals appearance with a 118-103 thrashing of the Burger King Whoppers, while the Kings took advantage of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters’ listless plays – especially import Jai Lewis – for a 108-100 win to book an 18th finals appearance. “It’s gonna be an exciting series," Tanquingcen admitted. “It’s something different from our battle with Burger King." He added, “the key is gonna be guys being free from any injuries." Injuries? Both teams have plenty of them. On the San Miguel side, sitting and watching the games from the sidelines include Lordy Tugade and Danny Seigle, while Ginebra have Mark Caguioa, Junthy Valenzuela and Eric Menk. “It’s definitely going to be a tough series ahead," Uichico said. - GMANews.TV