Cone explains non-inclusion of Caguioa, Mariano, Dela Cruz in Ginebra's opening lineup

Fans are wondering why some names are missing from the Barangay Ginebra lineup as the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) released team rosters on Wednesday.

Mark Caguioa, Aljon Mariano, and Art Dela Cruz were noticeably left out of the lineup for the defending Philippine Cup champions.

Ginebra head coach Tim Cone took to Twitter to address the fan queries, explaining that both Mariano and Dela Cruz recovering from injuries.

"When they are healthy, they will return to the lineup," Cone.

They are currently recovering from injuries. When they are healthy, they will return to the lineup.

— Tim Cone (@manilacone) July 14, 2021

He also said that the veteran Caguioa, 41, is currently out of the country but he is on the team's reserve list.

"Mark is still in the US attending to family matters.  We expect him to return soon. He has management's full permission to be away," Cone said.

Mark is still in the US attending to family matters. We expect him to return soon. He has management's full permission to be away.

— Tim Cone (@manilacone) July 14, 2021

Sans the three, Ginebra's lineup is composed of Jared Dillinger, Kent Salado, LA Tenorio, Scottie Thompson, Arvin Tolentino, and last season's Best Player of the Conference Stanley Pringle.

Completing the opening cast are Prince Caperal, Brian Enriquez, Jeff Chan, Raymond Aguilar, Japeth Aguilar, Christian Standhardinger, Joe Devance, Ken Holmqvist, and MJ Ayaay.

Ginebra will formally start their title defense on July 18 against NLEX at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

—Bea Micaller/MGP, GMA News