Moran declined to confirm or deny the news. But he dropped a big hint when he admitted not giving up his flat—-not yet, anyway. Moran will leave for the US in a few days but may be back sooner than later.
Moran said three weeks ago, he received an offer to join the basketball program of a California school. He’s thinking about the offer and weighing things in his mind before making a decision. The possibility of continuing what he started in the PBA is an enticing proposition.
"You’re not a great coach until you’ve been fired," said Moran yesterday. "I don’t want to step on anybody’s toes but I won’t just disappear. I hope to meet some of my players before I go. I need a closure with them. My problem is I get emotionally attached with my players. I get protective of them. I’ve got to pour myself out to them."
Moran, 58, said Shell’s slow start wasn’t unexpected. "It’s part of growth," he explained. "You saw how the players responded to what I’ve introduced on the court. I thought we had a good thing going. Chris (Calaguio) is playing like an All-Star. Mike (Hrabak) is averaging in double figures. We finally got a No. 1 pick, Rich (Alvarez), who can play, who’s being productive, who’s not hurting us. We brought out so many positives on the team. Attendance for Shell games is the highest in years. We’ve rebuilt our fan base. We’re exciting to watch again."
Moran said the decision to terminate his services was a "bombshell" from Shell. "I think it was a panic reaction," he mused. "Too bad. I honestly believe that in the All-Filipino conference, we’d probably win it. I think we’d be 10 times better in the All-Filipino. As for imports, I can’t understand how they’re measured. Our guy Marek (Ondera) is 6-7 but he’s measured 6-5. I think Art Long is 6-11. We’re working on a two-inch variable."
Moran said he is gratified by feedback from Alaska coach Tim Cone and Talk N’ Text star Asi Taulava. "I read coach Tim’s comments in the papers about how we run our offense," continued Moran. "Asi remarked that our offense confuses the defense because we run around so much. That’s the nature of our motion game."
Moran said he’s convinced the system works but it takes time to perfect.
Shell team manager Bobby Kanapi recognized Moran’s contributions but said there were flaws in his system that had to be addressed. He said the "unfortunate" turn of events led to the decision.
"Management had expectations," said Kanapi. "The game against FedEx was crucial. We saw gaps in the rotation of our players. Since John’s system requires constant motion, it means a need to maximize resources. John wasn’t doing that. In the end, management felt the need for a change."
Kanapi said a permanent replacement will be appointed in one or two weeks. Jigs Mendoza, a holdover from the Perry Ronquillo era, will be the interim head coach. Kanapi also mentioned that veteran Chris Jackson is assuming the position of playing assistant coach for defense.
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