MANILA — Barangay Ginebra San Miguel head coach Tim Cone (often referred to as “Reyes” in shorthand or typo contexts) is banking on his deep bench to function like a “committee” and carry the load as the team battles a growing injury list heading into the most critical stretch of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals against San Miguel Beermen.
After Game 4 on January 11, 2026 — where Ginebra tied the series 2-2 behind Scottie Thompson’s triple-double — Cone acknowledged that injuries are starting to pile up, but expressed confidence that the rotation’s depth will be the equalizer.
Current Injury & Availability Situation (as of Jan 12–13, 2026)
- Japeth Aguilar — Shoulder soreness (played through pain in Game 4; questionable-to-doubtful for Game 5)
- Christian Standhardinger — Minor ankle tweak (limited minutes in Game 4; day-to-day)
- Jamie Malonzo — Lingering back issue (missed parts of the semis; questionable)
- Others — Minor nicks on several rotation players, but the core bench remains relatively healthy
Cone said post-Game 4:
“We’re starting to look like a committee again. When one guy goes down, somebody else steps up. That’s how we’ve always survived. The bench has to continue to be the engine, especially if the starters are banged up.”
The Gin Kings’ second unit has been the difference-maker in the series so far, outscoring San Miguel’s reserves in three of four games:
- Game 1: +25 bench points edge
- Game 3: +18
- Game 4: +22
Key bench contributors in Game 4 included RJ Abarrientos (22 points), Stanley Pringle (clutch plays), and Mikey Dela Cruz (defensive spark).
Game 5 Outlook (Jan 14, 2026 – Araneta Coliseum)
- Ginebra holds home-court advantage (Games 5 & 7 at Araneta if necessary).
- San Miguel still considered slight favorites due to championship experience and June Mar Fajardo’s dominance.
- Cone’s message: “We don’t need heroes every night — we need everyone to do their job. If the bench keeps playing like a committee, we like our chances.”
The series is now a best-of-3 — the winner of Game 5 gains a 3-2 lead and can close out in Game 6.
Here are some intense Game 4 moments — Thompson orchestrating, the bench mob erupting, and Cone’s sideline energy.
The Gin Kings are battered but far from broken — Game 5 will be massive!