Cariaso wants to mix run-and-gun and triangle at Ginebra

MANILA, Philippines – Newly appointed head coach Jeffrey Cariaso envisions Brgy. Ginebra to become a disciplined team that can run.

“My vision is that we’re gonna be a team that can run because we have really good athletes. But at the same time, when we don’t have opportunities, we’ll be a disciplined team to run our offense,” Cariaso told Philstar.com.

He met with the Kings for the first time on Monday since his appointment last week and immediately buckled down to work.  

“It was good to get our first practice under our belt. It was basic. I introduced the triangle and talked about my expectations, my visions,” said Cariaso, who was a member of the 1996 Alaska Grand Slam team and Tim Cone’s top deputy at San Mig Coffee before accepting the tough task of handling the underachieving Kings.

“It was just really putting in the work from Day 1. I told them that there’s a lot of work to be done. The focus in each and everyday practice will be crucial kasi the next conference will start soon,” Cariaso added.

The Kings are coming off a disappointing eight place finish in the ongoing PBA Commissioner’s Cup after a semifinal appearance in the Philippine Cup.

Cariaso felt that the Kings’ early exit was hastened by their import woes.

“You know how import takes a big role, not the main role, but a big role. For them to be able to change three times, it was very difficult. I wasn’t there. I don’t know exactly what happened there,” Cariaso said. “Yun nga, we’re looking forward [to a brand new start].”

Cariaso will be bringing in Chattanooga’s Zaccheus Mason as the Kings’ import. He was handpicked from a list of five prospects given to him.

“I felt that with I want to bring in the team, I think he’s the best fit for us,” Cariaso said.

Mason, who is listed at 6-5 in the US NCAA, will join the team on Friday.  The 23-year old import averaged 18 points, 9.7 rebounds and 3 blocks per game during his senior year at Chattanooga last season.

Cariaso has a work cut out for him and all eyes will be on him once the Governors’ Cup conference tips off shortly after the Commissioner’s Cup ends.

But Cariaso, the 1995 PBA Rookie of the Year and a 10-time PBA All Star, welcomes the challenge especially with what he saw in the Kings’ first practice under him.  

“What I liked about the guys is that they are very accepting, understanding and it looks like they’re willing. Ang importante dun is that they’re willing.  It was a very good practice,” said Cariaso, whom Cone considers to be a glue guy.