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| Head coach Louie Gonzalez returned for JRU, but assistant coach Mixson Ramos still mainly did the play-calling against EAC. NCAA |
SAN JUAN, MM--Louie Gonzalez's return after a one-game suspension on Tuesday came at an opportune time for Jose Rizal University as the team looked to fortify its hold of the fourth spot in the NCAA standings.
However, against Emilio Aguinaldo College in a crucial game at the FilOil EcoOil Centre, Mixson Ramos, the first assistant coach, was the more active tactician for JRU, while Gonzalez was just taking a seat.
Ramos also took over for the Heavy Bombers on Saturday against the Letran Knights, the game Gonzalez served his ban, and the Bombers prevailed.
Like against Letran, JRU ended up victorious against EAC in technically its second game with Ramos virtually at the helm.
According to Gonzalez, he felt that the said setup gave him more leeway to see the bigger picture.
"Yun yung naging effective sa amin kasi every time na nag-i-step back ako, mas nakikita ko yung kabuuan," Gonzalez said.
Another factor about it is the strict NCAA bench decorum rules in which only one coach can stand up from time to time.
"I spoke to my assistant, si Mixson, together with the staff. We need to change kung papaano yung magiging pattern kasi syempre napakahigpit din na kailangan isa lang ang tumayo, so I let him do yung reminders sa mga players and I'm the one adjusting," Gonzalez further explained.
Interestingly enough, Gonzalez stayed at the arena following the Bombers-Generals game as he was tasked to be the color commentator in Game 2 of the MPBL North Division Finals between the Pampanga Giant Lanterns and San Juan Knights later Tuesday.
While we could not say if he was really saving his voice for the commentary, Gonzalez letting Ramos take charge was indeed effective as JRU sent EAC to the brink of elimination while creating some separation from San Beda ahead of their important clash on Saturday.
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