Chua begins Ginebra practice today

MANILA, Philippines - Barangay Ginebra will resume practice sessions at 9 this morning in the Xavier Gym after the New Year break with newly appointed head coach Alfrancis Chua admitting he’s both excited and scared over the prospect of piloting the PBA’s most popular squad back to title contention.

Chua, 46, was informed of his new role by Ginebra representative to the PBA Board of Trustees and PBA chairman Robert Non the day before the turn of the year. “Honestly, I was shocked when Boss Robert called,” said Chua. “The next day, which was Jan. 1, we met for about three hours to discuss plans and directions. This is a rare opportunity to become the head coach of the PBA’s most popular team. I know there are high expectations from the fans. That’s why I’m both excited and scared. I immediately consulted my family (wife Jocelyn and their four children Marc Francis, 18, Kyle Francis, 16, Nathan Francis 14 and Cody Francis 11). They’re supporting me all the way. I never asked for this opportunity and coach Siot (Tanquingcen) told me it’s a blessing, to make the most of it. I’m very grateful to management for the confidence and with everyone working together, I’m sure we can get things done.”

Chua said when he was told of the appointment, the first thing on his mind was to consult Tanquingcen whose job he is taking. Tanquingcen will slide down to assistant coach, a role he’s used to. “I respect coach Siot, he knows that,” said Chua who came aboard the Ginebra ship as consultant this time last year. “There’s nobody more hard-working than coach Siot. We all know it was management’s decision, a sort of ‘pahiyang.’ Coach Siot advised me to accept it as a blessing and assured me we’ll work hard together. We’ve got a great staff with coaches Allan (Caidic), Juno (Sauler), Art (de la Cruz) and Freddie (Abuda). Another asset is Samboy (Lim) who’s our team manager.”

Asked about his goals in the coming Commissioner’s Cup, Chua said his priority is to galvanize the team into a fighting unit. “I don’t think there’s any team in the PBA today that’s a pushover,” he said. “Every team is a contender. I’ll take it one practice at a time. We’re out to rebuild our confidence, to enjoy playing with each other. If we play as one, if we play together, if we trust one another, the wins will come, the championships will come.”

Chua, known as a fiery motivator, said he’ll give every player a break under his philosophy of equal opportunity. “There’s no question all our players are very capable,” he said. “It’s just a matter of how they’ll react to situations when they’re given the chance to play. We want everyone to be motivated to give it his all. It’s a question of attitude. We’ve got to be all on the same page, offensively and defensively. We could use another big man but we’re ready to succeed with the pieces we’ve got. Working hard is what we must do. Whatever gaps we have in the lineup, we’ll be able to compensate if we work hard. We’ll give the players a little more freedom on the court, to get our game going.”

Chua said starting today, the hard work begins. Ginebra import Herbert Hill is scheduled to fly in this morning. “I’m meeting the team as head coach for the first time,” he said. “I’ve received texts from the guys and they’re all very encouraging. I read a quote from L. A. (Tenorio) that when we lost five in a row this conference, he remembered me pushing the guys then we won five straight. I also read Eric Menk’s comments where he recalled playing his best games when I was his coach. Eric is now with San Miguel Beer in the ABL but we’re not closing the doors for him to come back.”

Chua began his PBA coaching career with Tanduay in 1999 after taking the Rhum Masters to seven titles in nine finals in the PBL. In his first PBA conference, he steered Tanduay to the finals. In all, Chua brought Tanduay to four semifinals in six PBA conferences. Chua was coach Norman Black’s assistant when Sta. Lucia Realty captured the 2001 Governors Cup crown. Chua later succeeded Black as the Realtors head coach. Chua was also Black’s assistant at Pop Cola for two years. He ended a four-year hiatus to return to the PBA with the Ginebra staff.

“My philosophy is if I push my players, I have to push myself harder,” he said. “I realize I have to be mentally prepared to do this. To me, it all boils down to commitment. Whether we play zone or man or whatever in defense, we’ll get things done if we accept our roles in doing what we’ve got to do, if we work hard in playing as a team. I don’t anticipate major adjustments in our system, a few tweaks here and there, maybe, some new plays. What we’re hoping to bring back is Ginebra’s never-say-die spirit, that’s what it’s all about.”

Chua said his PBA coaching idols are Tommy Manotoc and Joe Lipa and in the NBA, Phil Jackson. “I’ve always been a fan of Tommy Manotoc because of the way he motivates his players, his poise and of course, coach Joe,” he said. “With Jackson, I admire the way he got his players to work together, to believe in his system. In coaching, it’s not just about Xs and Os. It’s more players believing in each other, accepting their roles in the team and going out there to leave it all on the floor. My role is to give everyone the opportunity to execute. With everyone working together, there’s no way we’ll fail.”