Daven Tamayo

‘Sobrang meaningful’: Ginebra's Ralph Cu savors first PBA championship

Article (news)

Paige Javier

ABS-CBN News

MANILA – It wasn&#x27;t only the Barangay Ginebra faithful who had to wait three years for a title; it also took Ralph Cu the same amount of time before he could finally call himself a PBA champion.Cu started out playing for Ginebra&#x27;s 3x3 team back in 2023 before being selected as the 23rd overall pick by the same franchise in the PBA Season 48 Draft.Throughout the PBA Season 50 Commissioner&#x27;s Cup, the De La Salle University product proved he could provide a much-needed spark off the bench and steady support for the Ginebra starters.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2026/6/17/pba-gin-kings-reign-supreme-over-tropang-5g-clinch-commissioner-s-cup-crown-2208">READ: PBA: Gin Kings reign supreme over Tropang 5G, clinch Commissioner’s Cup crown </a></div>He consistently provided quality minutes for the Gin Kings whenever he suited up in the conference.Even while donning his championship shirt, Cu was still savoring the moment and letting the feeling sink in.&quot;Siyempre sobrang meaningful and sobrang special kasi first time ko eh. Natalo kami dalawang beses then nag-Game 7 pa so sobrang saya,&quot; he told reporters.Ginebra head coach Tim Cone earlier praised Cu for his contributions both on offense and defense, especially during their grueling semifinals series against Rain or Shine.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2026/6/18/-more-bukol-more-panalo-thompson-s-bumps-and-bruises-pay-off-with-finals-mvp-0002">READ: ‘More bukol, more panalo’: Thompson&#x27;s bumps and bruises pay off with Finals MVP </a></div>As one of the younger core players on the squad, Cu is glad he was able to help the team end its three-year title drought.&quot;Happy ako na nakatulong ako kahit paano. And &#x27;yun, magiging ready lang ako kahit anong mangyari. Next conference ganoon ulit. Sana next conference magka-chance ulit kami umabot dito,&quot; he said.What made the championship even sweeter for Cu was the steady presence and support of his girlfriend, professional volleyball player Jolina dela Cruz.&quot;Sobrang happy ako na lagi siyang nagwa-watch kapag free siya. Actually, may practice pa siya nang maaga eh, pero pumunta pa rin siya dito. Same naman ako, isu-support ko sila kapag season na nila,&quot; he said.As he carries the title of champion heading into the next conference, Cu believes this milestone will serve as a massive boost to his confidence whenever his number is called by Cone.&quot;Yung confidence ko lang. Kailangan every game talaga, whether first half or second half ako hugutin, ready ako,&quot; he shared.

It wasn't only the Barangay Ginebra faithful who had to wait three years for a title; it also took Ralph Cu the same amount of time before he could finally call himself a PBA champion.

It wasn't only the Barangay Ginebra faithful who had to wait three years for a title; it also took Ralph Cu the same amount of time before he could finally call himself a PBA champion.