Leaving SMC tough move for Uichico

MANILA, Philippines - Coach Jong Uichico described as “extra tough” the decision he made in a career move bringing him over to Smart Gilas Pilipinas from the San Miguel Corp. Group.

He said it’s just not easy to say goodbye to people he’s maintained relationships that went beyond basketball.

“I had been with San Miguel for 18 years, and they built my career. I have gotten close to the people I’ve worked with. And I had been with the Cojuangcos since 1981. (Thinking about that was) the hardest part,” Uichico told The STAR.

Uichico talked to SMC chairman Danding Cojuangco and brother Henry Monday and to SMC president Ramon Ang Wednesday.

“They gave me their blessings and they wished me well,” said Uichico, a former national player under the program of the Cojuangcos.

“They understand that it’s a career move for my future. They will not take it against anybody. They will not hinder any person’s advancement. They knew it’s a new endeavor and new challenge for me,” Uichico also said.

As he moved over to Smart Gilas, Uichico also deemed it necessary to give up his post as coaching consultant to Gie Abanilla at the Cojuangco-backed La Salle team.

He said he’s giving Smart Gilas full concentration although he understands he’ll just serve as assistant coach in the national team.

“I’ve been reading on papers that there will be a pool of coaches and the head coach will come from there. But it’s clear to me that I’ll just be an assistant coach,” said Uichico.

“I can work with anybody. I like to help. I’ve worked with Norman (Black) in Hiroshima in 1994, with Chot (Reyes) in Tokushima in 2007 and with Yeng (Guiao) in the Jones Cup in 2009,” Uichico added.