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| Alfrancis Chua is now the new Gilas Pilipinas program director. Dennis Acosta (file photo) |
MANILA—The reveal of the 12-man lineup against New Zealand is not the only big Gilas Pilipinas-related news on Wednesday night.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas also announced that San Miguel Corporation sports director Alfrancis Chua is back as the national team's manager.
Chua was tasked to manage Gilas in its successful bid to reclaim the Asian Games gold last year after 61 years of frustrations.
This time, though, Chua has an even bigger role to fill as he will also be the national team's new program director for both the men's team and the youth squads.
The former PBL champion coach will oversee the operations of the Gilas squads, particularly the first team led by coach Tim Cone and the grassroots rosters now to be led by LA Tenorio.
Chua, Cone, and Tenorio are currently working together with Ginebra in the PBA as governor, head coach, and team captain, respectively.
“I’m happy I’ll be able to help Gilas in this capacity,” said Chua.
“I thank boss RSA (Ramon Ang) for giving me his blessing in taking this new role and I look forward to working with coach Tim and LA (Tenorio).”
“I am very happy that Alfrancis is back with Gilas. I work well with him and our only objective is to elevate Philippine basketball,” added SBP President Al Panlilio.
“The SBP also extends our appreciation to San Miguel Corporation (SMC) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ramon Ang for supporting this decision to have Alfrancis help the program again.”
Cone earlier said that Chua will be on the Gilas bench as a "special motivator" when they take on New Zealand on Thursday night and Hong Kong three evenings later.
"It was great having him on the bench motivating the players. He is such a great motivator. That's one of the things that we hope to enhance the program with his presence,” said Cone.
“He has always been there for me to consult with and talk with. And of course, we had that great run in the Asian Games which was fantastic.”
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