Caguioa excited for Chua's return to Ginebra

MANILA, Philippines – Mark Caguioa feels relieved to know that Alfrancis Chua has not totally left the Brgy. Ginebra Kings.

On Thursday, San Miguel Corporations opened the door for Chua’s return to the most popular team in the PBA after announcing that he is only on a leave of absence for the duration of the Governors’ Cup and re-assigned Noli Eala, its sports director and consultant for basketball operations, to the infrastructure business of the conglomerate.  (read full story here: SMC says Chua on leave for Govs Cup; re-assigns Eala)

Caguioa, who is very vocal in batting for Chua’s return to the Kings, has mixed reactions on the upper management decision. (read related story: Caguioa to Chua: 'Please reconsider')

“I’m sad that boss Noli (Eala) was re-assigned.  I know that he tried his best to help the team,” Caguioa told Philstar.com in a telephone interview after the statement was released. "But I’m more than glad to know that coach Al has the chance to come back. I know all my teammates will be very happy with this news.”

Caguioa also shared that the team continued to practice under the guidance of  new assistant coaches Ato Agustin, Jorge Gallent together with old staff Art dela Cruz and Freddie Abuda earlier today.

“Medyo okay na ang takbo ng practice namin. We’re really trying to make our practice fun as much as we can,” Caguioa said.

But the reigning MVP and the acknowledged heart and soul of Brgy. Ginebra admitted that it's not really the same since Chua left the team last Monday.

“I hope matapos na ang lahat ng ito at bumalik na si coach Al to guide us, to be our leader.”