Clamor for Chua to head Gilas

MANILA, Philippines — PBA chairman Ricky Vargas, SBP president Al Panlilio and Gilas head coach Tim Cone are calling on newly-elected PBA vice chairman Alfrancis Chua to reprise his role as executive in-charge of the national basketball team that took the gold medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games last year.

Vargas said he saw for himself how Chua took care of Gilas in Hangzhou, providing hands-on leadership that was an essential part of the victory. “A strong Gilas team benefits PBA and a strong PBA benefits Gilas so it’s mutually beneficial,” said Vargas who’s also SBP vice president. “About 70 percent of Gilas is from PBA. We’re recruiting better players and now, naniniwala na tayong lahat that we can compete against the best in the world. We proved that in the OQT in Latvia. We’ve observed that when Gilas players return to the PBA, they’re more confident, they’re better because of the experience. A clear example is Chris Newsome who led Meralco to the Philippine Cup championship after a stellar performance in Hangzhou. We’re changing the Gilas culture and we’re earning a different respect from our opponents.”

Vargas pointed out that in the FIBA rankings, Gilas is ranked No. 37 but has recently beaten No. 6 Latvia, nearly upset No. 12 Brazil and No. 23 Georgia and defeated No. 27 Iran, No. 29 China and No. 32 Jordan.

Panlilio said Gilas missed Chua in Latvia and he would’ve surely made an impact. “We need my tokayo with Gilas,” he said. “He knows basketball more than I do. I told Alfrancis that I’ll be there for him, I’ll be on the admin side and he can take charge of the team like he did in Hangzhou. He knows how to encourage and motivate the players like nobody else. Alfrancis treats everyone equally, walang lumalamang, there is parity and a real sense of brotherhood.”

Chua said he couldn’t join Gilas in Latvia because of his work commitments at San Miguel Corp. where his responsibilities are beyond sports as he also assists chairman Ramon S. Ang in special projects like the NAIA rehab, building a new airport in Bulacan and streamlining of tollway operations. But he said there will always be a big place in his heart for basketball.

“Gilas is valuable to our country,” said Chua. “The team is about national pride and brings happiness to our countrymen. In recruiting players, walang pilitan, sama-sama lahat at ramdam sa PBA ang impact ng performance sa international competitions.”

Cone said the team missed Chua’s boost in Latvia. He has asked Chua for a meeting to try to persuade him to go back to Gilas. When Cone was given a People of the Year award by PeopleAsia last March, he said “I think Alfrancis deserved it more.” When Gilas plays in the next FIBA Asia Cup qualifying window against New Zealand on Nov. 21 and Hong Kong on Nov. 24, both at home, Vargas, Panlilio and Cone hope Chua will be back at the helm.