Chua revives coaching career in Ginebra

MANILA, Philippines – After 14 years, Alfrancis Chua is ready to re-write his story.

In 1999, Chua led the now-defunct Tanduay Rhum Masters to the Finals right in his rookie season. Despite a strong lineup led by Eric Menk and Sonny Alvarado, he lost the title to Shell Turbochargers led by a rejuvenated Benjie Paras back then.

It was all downhill for Chua from there.

Fast forward to 2013 and pony-tailed coach is back in the game chasing his first PBA title.

“My first Finals appearance was when I was a rookie coach with Tanduay, we played Shell in 1999. This is my rookie year, may first conference with Ginebra as a coach, lalaban din sa championship,” Chua said.

Three months ago, Chua was not entertaining the thoughts to be in the Finals. He’s not even thinking of the playoffs. All he wanted was a win to finally put the monkey off his back after the Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel Kings went off to a nightmarish start.

“When we’re down 0-4, gabi-gabi pinagdadasal ko makapasok lang kami ng Top 8, huwag lang kami ma-eliminate. Ang daming injuries eh,” Chua added.

The win came in a bucket of six. Then the Kings’ confidence grew stronger in number defeating the past two PBA champions – Governors Cup champion Rain or Shine and Philippine Cup champion Talk n Text –in succession to land in the Finals.

“In my rookie year in Ginebra, I didn’t expect it to be in the championship. Actually, makarating lang kami ng semis, parang champion na kami,” Chua said.

Chua’s secret does not lie on his long pony-tailed hair. 

“This team of Ginebra right now, I can call them a family, very close sila,” Chua said. “It’s a God-given gift eh. Ibinigay ng Diyos sa amin ang posisyon na ito [to be in the Finals].”

This Finals appearance made it sweeter that he won at the expense of one his mentors in the early years of his PBA coaching career.

“I gave it to Talk n Text. They played hard even though kulang-kulang sila. Norman [Black] is a champion coach,” Chua acknowledging Black, whom he worked with in Pop Cola and Sta. Lucia as an assistant coach after Tanduay disbanded.  

Chua is now just three wins away from his first PBA title and wants to savor this semis win first before thinking of Alaska.

“Enjoy-in ko muna ‘to kahit isang araw. Magandang laban ‘to sa Finals.”