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Alfrancis Chua will work closely with Gilas Men coach Tim Cone and new Gilas Youth coach LA Tenorio as they bring their Barangay Ginebra connection to the national team
MANILA, Philippines – The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) on Wednesday, November 20, announced the appointment of Alfrancis Chua as program director and team manager of Gilas Pilipinas and its youth counterpart.
Chua, a three-time PBA Executive of the Year and the San Miguel Corporation (SMC) sports director, takes on a bigger role for the national team after serving as team manager when the Philippines ruled the Asian Games last year.
A former player who became a coach and an executive, Chua will work closely with Gilas Men coach Tim Cone and new Gilas Youth coach LA Tenorio as they bring their Barangay Ginebra connection to the national team.
“I’m happy I’ll be able to help Gilas in this capacity,” said Chua, who secured the approval of SMC chairman Ramon S. Ang.
“I thank boss RSA for giving me his blessing in taking this new role and I look forward to working with coach Tim and LA.”
Also the Gin Kings’ team governor, Chua helped Ginebra return to supremacy as the franchise won seven championships since 2016 after not having won a title for eight years.
When Cone took over the national team for the Asian Games, the SBP tapped Chua as team manager, and he played a key role in Gilas ending a six-decade drought for the gold medal in the quadrennial showpiece.
“It was great having him on the bench motivating the players. He is such a great motivator,” said Cone. “He has always been there for me to consult with and talk with.”
The first order of business for Chua is the second window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, where Gilas will host New Zealand and Hong Kong on November 21 and 24, respectively, at the Mall of Asia Arena. – Rappler.com