Hard work pays off

MANILA, Philippines — For San Miguel Corp. sports director Alfrancis Chua, the formula in sweeping the PBA’s three conferences with three different teams under his watch was simple. “Hard work pays off,” said Chua the morning after Magnolia clinched the Governors Cup Finals via a 4-2 series win over Alaska at the Ynares Center, Antipolo, last Wednesday.           

“It’s about being hands-on, tutok talaga,” said Chua. “It’s like a Grand Slam, the first time in PBA history that three different teams under one ownership took the three conferences in a season.  Every team won its own way. In the Philippine Cup, San Miguel Beer played under pressure because it was favored to win with a strong lineup. In the Commissioner’s Cup, Ginebra won it for the fans with Justin Brownlee. In the Governors Cup, Magnolia played with a determined mindset. They weren’t content to just make it to the semifinals. Iba ang championship series. When they got to the finals, they gave it their all. They’re like a family, they love each other, they’re so close and they respond well to coach Chito (Victolero). In the end, what brought the three teams to the title was they just worked extra hard to win.”

As sports director, Chua said he takes his cue from San Miguel Corp. president Ramon S. Ang. “Boss RSA sets the tone,” he said. “Alam niya kung sinong may sakit o may pilay. He cares for the players. After Magnolia won last Wednesday, Boss RSA went to EDSA Shangri-La to congratulate the team and arrived at midnight. He talked to the players, coaches and mingled. I think he stayed for over an hour, until about 1 a.m. That’s the way he is with all the teams. With two minutes left in Game 6, I texted Boss RSA and told him the title was ours.”

Chua said what sets Victolero apart from other outstanding coaches is his open-mindedness. “Chito and Jason (Webb) were my players when I coached Stag in the PBL,” he said. “I also coached Chito and Jason at Sta. Lucia Realty. When I brought Chito to coach the Hotshots, I assured him I got his back. What I like about Chito is he listens, he’s open to suggestions, he’s not afraid to ask for help. He wants the opinion of his assistant coaches. He’s also a good motivator. He lets the players play. If you’re open, don’t hesitate to shoot. He treats everyone with respect. I was so happy when Magnolia won because this is Chito’s first championship. Talon siya ng talon, parang bata. He worked hard for it and deserved the victory.” Webb, incidentally, is in Victolero’s staff with Juno Sauler, Johnny Abarrientos, Tony Boy Espinosa, Mon Jose, Paul Sorongon and Itoy Esguerra.

Chua said he left the San Miguel office at 3 p.m. to go to Ynares Center for a chance to talk to the team before Game 6 last Wednesday. “I went to every practice, every game,” he said. “I talked to the players and coaches. I asked what I could do if they had any problems. That’s how I closely monitored the team. In the Finals, we were up, 2-0 then Alaska came back to tie it. When we were back up, 3-2, I reminded the team not to be complacent. I went to the lockerroom and told the guys not to be too eager, to enjoy the moment and continue working as a team. I mentioned that Alaska brings out players from out of nowhere like Carl Bryan Cruz and Abel Galliguez and if we don’t defend them, they’ll contribute. So they can’t bring down their guard, no matter who’s on the floor.”

At halftime, Chua went back to the lockerroom. “I told the guys to protect the lead, not to let Alaska come back,” he said. “We were up by 18 but I wanted to make sure we stayed focused. I also reminded them not to be pikon, that physicality is part of the game. Wala naman namamatay sa basketball.”

Chua said import Romeo Travis is just as coachable and likeable as Brownlee. “They both have a great attitude,” he said. “They’re team players, they don’t mind sharing the ball and they just don’t score, they do a lot more on the court. At halftime of Game 5, I talked to Travis. He scored only four points in the first half but we were up by 11. I told him if he scored his usual points, we would be up by double the margin. So I encouraged him to get back to his old form, to take his shots so he can find his range. He’s the leader of the team. If he plays well, the others play well. I think he never knew I was a coach before. The way he plays, the others follow. Travis sometimes gets frustrated when he’s fouled but there’s no call. I told him it’s like driving a car. Sometimes, another car cuts you. It’s something that happens for three seconds. But it shouldn’t affect you. You just keep driving. Why let it bother you?”

Chua said it’s a blessing that San Miguel Beer, Ginebra and Magnolia took turns winning PBA titles this year. “We also won the ABL championship with San Miguel Alab,” he added. “We wouldn’t have been successful this year if not for the support of management and the fans. We dedicate all our championships to them.”