PBA: Dillinger hopes Ginebra fans ‘learn to love him slowly’

By Kevin Sox

Newest Barangay Ginebra San Miguel addition Jared Dillinger bared that he hopes the fanbase of the PBA’s most popular ball club will “learn to love” the swing man, per an online source.

“I hope Ginebra fans out there will learn to love me slowly by just seeing how I play with my heart on my sleeve, and the energy and emotion that I like to bring when I play the game,” said Dillinger to the source.

Jared Dillinger (PBA Images)
Jared Dillinger (PBA Images)

The 35-year-old swingman Dillinger was acquired last week when he was placed by the Meralco Bolts to their unrestricted free agent spot.

In 2017, before the PBA Governors’ Cup finals Ginebra eventually won in seven games, Dillinger figured in an online trash-talking war particularly with fellow Fil-am Joe Devance.

Dillinger claimed to “hate” Ginebra that time, although many say it was only for public show.

Devance has since then joked upon learning Dillinger will be signed by the club, saying the latter isn’t welcome to join the team.

Later on, Devance said it would be good if Dillinger treats the entire Ginebra squad to pizza.

Ginebra forward Art Dela Cruz then suggested it would be better to have them eat at HEAT, a high-end buffet at EDSA Shangri-La.

“I said pizza but then Art dela Cruz was like, he should just treat everybody to HEAT,” said Devance via ABS-CBN Sports.

“If he could do that, that would be better. He would be a nice teammate.”

Dillinger will reunite with Japeth Aguilar in Ginebra who he played with under TNT KaTropa. He will also join PBA Draft batchmate Sol Mercado (2008).