The Never-Say-Die spirit lives on

Undoubtedly, basketball is the most popular sports in the Philippines. It is next to none to most Filipinos.

Make shift hoops are seen just about every corner, the biggest stadiums in the country are made mainly for the game, and just about any barangay even in far flung area has a basketball court.

Speaking of barangay, did you know that the now famous “never-say-die spirit” attributed to the people’s champion Ginebra San Miguel (GSM) in 1985?

THE BIRTH OF NSD (NEVER-SAY-DIE)

Though the team was formed in 1979, the year 1985 went down in Philippine basketball history as the year GSM’s Never-Say-Die spirit was born.  The protagonist in this historical moment is no other than Robert Jaworksi, Sr. After being hit by a wayward elbow in the second quarter, the Big J had to leave the game to go to the hospital.  To everyone’s shock, he returned in the third quarter with seven stitches on his lip.  The Gins were behind by 15 points going into the final seven minutes of the game when Jaworski re-entered the court and led the team to victory, sparking a frenzy that to date, is unmatched. This was the beginning of Ginebra’s Never-Say-Die mantra.

Jaworski has long retired in the games but the team’s unmatched passion to win lives on. The winning attitude was passed in to “The Fast and The Furious” Jayjay Helterbrand and Mark Caguioa; “The Hustleman” Scottie Thompson; and even to their resident import Justin Brownlee. Yes, the American player who has embraced the Filipino life and will be forever remembered with his game-winning basket to give GSM a championship title in front a new PBA record crowd attendance of 54,068 at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan in 2016.

40^TH ANNIVERSARY JERSEY COLLECTION

To thank Barangay Ginebra San Miguel fans for their four decades of support, Ginebra San Miguel is launching the 2019 Never Say Die Jersey Collection featuring the Living Legend and father of Never-Say-Die spirit, Robert Jaworski, Sr. (7); the unforgettable “The Fast and the Furious” duo, Jayjay Helterbrand (13) and Mark Caguioa (47), fast-rising basketball superstar Scottie Thompson (6), and the most beloved PBA import who has won the hearts of Pinoy basketball fans Justin Brownlee (32). These limited edition jerseys will be worn by the team in the upcoming 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

What makes the 2019 Jersey Collection special? “This is the first time in the 40-year history of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel that ‘Never-Say-Die’ is featured in the team jersey. Barangay Ginebra San Miguel has become synonymous to the never-say-die spirit that has been the mantra not only of the Gin Kings but also of every kabarangay. Our tribute to never-say-die, which began with coach Robert ‘Sonny’ Jaworski, Sr., is also a tribute to the team’s legions of fans who have not only embraced and loved the team but also embodied the never-say-die attitude,” says Ginebra San Miguel Brand Manager Paolo Tupaz

To avail of the jerseys, just buy any GSMI product. Every six (6) seals of Ginebra San Miguel or any five (5) caps of GSM Blue, GSM Blue Flavors, Primera Light Brandy and Ginebra San Miguel Premium Gin, entitles customers to purchase one jersey for only P100 at your favorite supermarket or convenience store outlets nationwide.  Fans can get the Ginebra San Miguel 2019 Jersey Collection until June 30, 2019.

Visit the official Facebook page of Ginebra San Miguel www.facebook.com/barangayginebra or call the GSMI customer care hotline at 632-2564. You can also log on to www.ginebra.com.ph for more details and updates on the promo.