Sporting Chance

Eric Altamirano was surprised when a rumor spread that Allan Caidic would give up coaching Barangay Ginebra and make a comeback as a player in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). He was more surprised when it was also rumored that he would replace Caidic at the Ginebra helm.

"Nobody from Ginebra has talked to me about coaching the team," said the deposed Mobiline mentor. "Coach Ron (Jacobs) spoke to me after I was fired and he never mentioned anything about a job at Ginebra. He's like a father to me. He just wanted to check if I'm okay. He told me being fired is part of a coach's life -- it's just another hump on the road."

Jacobs is Ginebra's coaching consultant.

Ginebra team manager Casiano (Jun) Cabalan also denied a deal is in the works to hire Altamirano. Caidic himself said it was news to him. And assistant coach Rino Salazar said he knew nothing about it.

As for Altamirano, he said he's not in a hurry to get back to work. He's enjoying his extended vacation with his family. But eventually, he'd like to return to coaching.

"I'll take my time," said Altamirano. "God has brought me to this point of my career. If I get another offer to coach, I'll pray over it, consult (wife) Marissa, then I'll decide. My experience at Mobiline was traumatic and sad. But I'll learn from it. I'll be a better coach next time around."

Altamirano said at Mobiline, he learned how to deal with "difficult" players, like Asi Taulava whom he described as a "rare breed." He also realized how important it is to relate closely to management.

Altamirano called the Bureau of Immigration decision to deport Taulava a shocker. "I thought okay na lahat," he said. "I was under the impression Asi would be cleared. So I was shocked when the decision came out. I feel for Asi and I feel for the players. But I think it will have a positive effect on the team -- it will be a challenge for the guys to step up."

Ironically, it was Taulava who instigated Altamirano's ouster.

Right after Mobiline lost to Alaska last March 31, the players decided to talk things over in a restaurant. Altamirano had gone home. It was the Phone Pals' second straight setback and the players wanted to bond closer as a unit. Word reached Mobiline Chief Executive Officer Manny Pangilinan that the players were holed up in a restaurant and he joined them later that night. The group broke up at 4 a.m. and after 30 minutes, team manager Debbie Tan phoned Altamirano at home to confirm his termination.

A reliable source said Taulava spoke up against Altamirano during the meeting with Pangilinan. Taulava reportedly said Altamirano's coaching style was too structured that it "choked" the players. Al Solis agreed. Nobody else said a word.

Altamirano wouldn't comment on what happened at the meeting. All he said was he wasn't surprised that he was fired, that he understood Pangilinan's decision, and that he didn't take it against Pangilinan or the players. He knew it was time to move on.

Sooner or later, Altamirano said he'd like to redeem himself as a coach.

"I don't believe in changing my style," he said. "I know some owners prefer a fiery coach to a quiet coach. I don't want to be somebody else. I'll continue to be myself. Would I consider a job in another league, like the MBA (Metropolitan Basketball Association)? I'm open to it. If the offer is tempting, why not? But the PBA will always be my priority -- it allows you to stay close to your family and, of course, it's the premier league."

Altamirano's assistants Frankie Lim and Ryan Gregorio were also terminated. Their contracts were paid of until the end of the year. Lim is awaiting offers at the moment while Gregorio has assumed the University of the Philippines varsity head coaching chores. Altamirano's contract expires in the year 2002 but Mobiline management has offered to pay it off, too.

Altamirano, who piloted Purefoods to the 1997 All-Filipino title in his PBA coaching debut, will be back in basketball -- that's for sure because you can't keep a good man down.