PBA coaches ask fans to pray, be patient

MANILA, Philippines — Barangay Ginebra assistant coach Olsen Racela asked for more patience and prayers from fans who are longing to see the PBA back in action soon.

“For the PBA fans, konting pasensya lang po,” Racela said during Saturday night’s PBA Kamustahan podcast.

“I know sila Commissioner (Willie Marcial) and the board are doing their best para makabalik ang PBA pero konting pasensya lang po. Sinisiguro nila na maayos na ang lahat bago nila ibalik ang PBA,” he added.

“In the meantime, magdasal po tayo sana matapos na itong pandemic para sa ikabubuti ng lahat,” he appealed.

The pro league is awaiting government approval for its “new normal” protocols.

Conditions permitting, the PBA hopes to resume its Season 45 Philippine Cup by October at the latest.

Racela’s sentiments were echoed by Columbian coach Johnedel Cardel and assistant coaches Topex Robinson of Phoenix, Johnny Abarrientos of Magnolia, Danny Ildefonso of Alaska, and Rommel Adducul of Blackwater.

The former PBA greats talked about their transition to coaching and various influences as they perform their current jobs.

Ildefonso fondly remembered his earliest – and probably most successful pupil – as a skills coach – reigning league MVP June Mar Fajardo.

“Si June Mar napakasarap turuan. Unlike ibang players, open talaga siya, gusto niya talagang matuto,” said Ildefonso, the two-time MVP who mentored a young Fajardo in 2012 in his last season with Petron.

Ildefonso shared this mentorship actually started even before the Cebuano jumped over to the PBA.

“Bago pa siya dumating ng Manila, tinuturuan ko na siya. Kasi pag bumababa siya, malayo niya tinatanggap ang bola eh,” he said.

“Sabi ko, hindi ka yayaman dyan, 6’9, 6’10 ka, sabi ko alam mo nasaan ang pera? Doon sa ilalim ng goal, doon mo kunin,” he added.

Source: https://www.philstar.com/