SMC goes all out for Gilas after allowing Tim Cone to join coaching staff followed by Alfrancis Chua’s appointment as SBP executive advisor.
Philippine Basketball Association commissioner Willie Marcial announced the nomination of Alfrancis Chua, sports director of San Miguel Corp., as executive advisor of the national team and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, at the halftime of the semifinal match between Magnolia and TNT.
Marcial confirmed that the nomination and acceptance of the position by Chua was made during the SBP’s stakeholders meeting held among officials of the SBP, PBA, UAAP, NCAA, and other basketball bodies in Makati on August 1.
"Ewan ko if nakapagpaalam na siya kay RSA [San Miguel Corp. chief executive Ramon S. Ang], pero sa tingin ko, papayagan naman siya doon," Marcial said.
The news comes after SMC allowed Ginebra head coach Tim Cone to be part of the national team’s coaching staff as announced by Gilas head coach Chot Reyes.
“We’ve had several discussions already with Tim, but (that will be) the first time that he is going to actually sit down with the rest of the coaching staff to brainstorm,” he said.
Despite not starting on the job officially, Marcial claims that Chua has already presented his plan as he is expected to have an active role with Gilas Pilipinas, particularly with the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 in the near future.
"Kakausapin niya ang mga players kung ano pa magagawa. Practice sana nga raw every Monday na eh, pero pag-uusapan pa," said Marcial.
Meanwhile, Marcial assured that Reyes remains in charge of Gilas Pilipinas as its head coach and Chua will just act as an advisor.
“I’m very happy we’ve had conversations already on the phone with governor Alfrancis. He has been a very big help,” Reyes then said regarding Chua’s appointment.
“We need all the help we can get. I completely welcome it, we’re all inclusive”.
Tags: #PBA, #Gilas, #basketball