Yeng Guiao, Patrick Aquino, Jong Uichcico, and possibly, Tab Baldwin are all under the coaching stable of the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas.
Al Panlilio, head of the basketball’s governing body, has streamlined the group’s program, naming three of these elite coaches to key positions.
“We have challenges and it’s about time changes are made,” said Panlilio. “The SBP’s vision is to be recognized in the regional and global levels as a world-class national governing federation.”
Guiao, presently the headcoach of Gilas Pilipinas in the ongoing FIBA World Cup qualifier, took over as head mentor for the squad just a few months ago right after the veteran bench tactician coached the national team to the Asian Games last year.
His current appointment would mean that he would call the shots for the men’s team for a longer term, one that would enable him to see young and up coming potential stars like 7-foot-1 center Kai Sotto, 6-foot-10 AJ Edu, 6-foot-6 Kobe Paras and guards Ricci Rivero and Thirdy Ravena among others.
Aquino, on the other hand, has been the most successful women’s team coach in the country. His National University Lady Bulldogs posted the longest winning streak of more than 100 games and captured five straight UAAP championships.
With the national women’s basketball team, Aquino has been with the program for five years.
Uichico, a multi-titled PBA champion like Guiao, has been delegated as head of the Coaches and Sports Development and Standards while ex-pro Ronnie Magsanoc is now the head of the 3X3 program.
Rebo Saguisag has also been named as head of the Technical Commission program, while appointed as deputy is Oscar Moreno Jr.
Then, there’s Baldwin, who led the Ateneo Blue Eagles to back-to-back championships, is the top candidate for the youth squad coaching job.
The SBP is also looking to form a referee’s organization and pool the different groups in the country to unite and create one solid group.
“We should be able to unite all the referees organizations. We’re hoping to have an accreditation process for referees so we can scale up their competencies,” said Panlilio.
Panlilio reports to the SBP Board of Trustees, while under him are executive director Sonny Barrios and special assistant to the president Ryan Gregorio.
Rey Joble is a member of the PBA Press Corps and Philippine Sports Writers Association.
reyjoble09@gmail.com
