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For years, Barangay Ginebra fans have wondered who could possibly carry the torch once Japeth Aguilar finally steps away from the spotlight. On Friday night, they may have gotten their biggest clue yet.
In Ginebra’s emphatic 115-85 demolition of Blackwater in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup, an unlikely name stole part of the show—and even earned a comparison from head coach Tim Cone that instantly turned heads.
Kemark Carino.
The former Terrafirma big man didn’t just contribute quality minutes. He played with the energy, athleticism, and defensive presence that reminded Cone of one of the greatest frontcourt players in franchise history.
“I thought Kemark came out and played really well, doing a lot of Japeth things. That’s what we’re looking for from him,” Cone said after the victory.
For Ginebra supporters, those words carried far more weight than the final score.
Aguilar remains one of the league’s premier defensive anchors, finishing with 11 points, nine rebounds, and five blocks in just 21 minutes. But at this stage of his decorated career, every productive performance from a younger big man becomes even more significant.
That’s where Carino stepped in.
The 6-foot-9 San Beda product delivered 11 points on an efficient 5-of-7 shooting, grabbed seven rebounds, and rejected a shot while bringing relentless activity on both ends of the floor. Every hustle play seemed to energize the Gin Kings, none bigger than an offensive rebound that he immediately converted into a powerful putback finish, sending the Smart Araneta Coliseum crowd into a frenzy.
More importantly, Carino looked fearless.
After battling back from a devastating ACL injury that threatened to derail his career during his stint with Terrafirma, the 28-year-old is finally beginning to resemble the high-upside big man many believed he could become.
“I’m always ready whenever my number is called,” Carino said. “I know I still have to earn the minutes Coach Tim gives me, and I want to repay the trust the coaching staff has shown in allowing me to play again.”
Despite his impressive outing, Carino believes his journey is only beginning.
“My defense still needs work, but I’m getting there,” he admitted.
That humility may be exactly what makes him even more dangerous.
Since arriving in Ginebra through a trade earlier this year, Carino has patiently waited for his opportunity behind Aguilar. Instead of forcing the issue, he has embraced every minute, showing flashes of the mobility, shot-blocking, and athletic finishing that have long been Aguilar’s trademarks.
Friday’s breakout performance wasn’t merely about replacing a veteran for a few possessions—it hinted at something much bigger.
For a franchise constantly searching for the next cornerstone, Cone’s endorsement could be the strongest signal yet that Ginebra has quietly found a potential successor waiting in the wings.
If Carino continues to develop under Cone’s system and learns alongside Aguilar, the Gin Kings may not have to worry about life after one of the PBA’s greatest big men after all.
And if Friday was any indication, Ginebra’s future may already be wearing a jersey today.