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| Dondon Hontiveros is staying put as an assistant coach at least for now. LA Arcin |
BINAN--Dondon Hontiveros ruled out at least for now a possible playing return as he focuses on helping hometown team Cebu get back on track in the MPBL as an assistant coach.
When Dugout Philippines asked for a clarification regarding a report from Spin.PH's Reuben Terrado quoting new Greats head coach Junthy Valenzuela, the "Cebuano Hotshot" curtly said, "Coaching lang muna."
The 48-year-old Hontiveros added, "Alam mo naman si Junthy, pag ini-interview, ina-exaggerate minsan yung paglalaro ko kasi, though I'm older than him, parang mas manipis akong tignan kaya jino-joke niya na ipalaro niya ako."
Hontiveros and Valenzuela, two of the PBA's top stars of the 2000s, came aboard mid-season as Cebu tries to make one last dash to the MPBL postseason.
Hontiveros said that he is in charge of helping the team's youngsters grow their game, including his son Ice.
"Seriously speaking, it's more of the younger guys na tinutulungan for their development not only on the court but also off the court. Yung attitude going to the game at preparation, kasama dyan, and hopefully ma-translate to victories," Dondon further said.
The Greats took advantage of the June transfer window and rebuilt them massively, leading to the acquisitions of Cebuano pro hoop stars JR Quinahan, Paul Desiderio, and Mac Tallo among other key signings.
While they remained winless since the overhaul, the Greats pushed the Pampanga Giant Lanterns and Binan Tatak Gel to the limit, both playing at their respective opponents' home arenas.
On Thursday night at the Alonte Sports Arena here, Cebu fought back from a 16-point deficit at the start of the fourth quarter and had a chance to steal the road win at the final buzzer.
However, Kenny Rocacurva stripped the ball away from Desiderio as Binan escaped with an 81-78 home win to snap its three-game losing streak.
"Makita mo the past two games, parang close. We had a chance talaga. Heartbreak for us," Hontiveros further said.
Despite the close losses, the former MBA superstar for the Cebu Gems remains hopeful that the Greats, 6.5 games behind a three-way tie between the Tatak Gel, Rizal Golden Coolers, and Muntinlupa Cagers for 5th-7th places in the South Division and 4.5 games behind the Davao Occidental Tigers for 10th place, would even skip the play-in games and make it to the playoffs outright.
"Ang pakay natin dito is that Cebu will make it to the playoffs, though mahirap tignan ngayon with the current situation, pero hopefully, they make it," Hontiveros further said.
"Di naman yung overnight. Makikita yun sa practice--how we approach the preparation to translate it during games--so it's really preparing the guys. Yun yung role ng coaching staff."
Cebu will face Imus, another team in the chase for the postseason, in a July 11 game scheduled at the Imus City Sports Complex, although it remains uncertain if the Braderhood will play at home eventually.
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