Ronquillo magic

Maganda ang podcast episode ni Rey Joble noong nakaraang araw featuring US-based former Shell coach Perry Ronquillo.

Isa si Ronquillo sa mga kinokonsidera among most brilliant minds at most quotable personalities noong kanyang PBA days. At ganoon pa rin kagaling magsalita at magkuwento ang two-time PBA champion coach.

Sa kanyang pagbabalik-tanaw, siyempre highlight ang kanyang back-to-back championships noong 1998 Third Conference at 1999 all-Filipino tourney.

Pero para siguro sa lahat, ang all-Filipino title ang kanyang tunay na crowning glory.

Mabigat na upset ang hinugot ni Ronquillo kontra sa sumisingasing na Tanduay team na pinamumunuan noon ng premyadong rookies na sina Eric Menk at Sonny Alvarado, kasama sina Pido Jarencio, Jayson Webb, Jayvee Gayoso, Bobby Jose at Mark Telan.

Sa playoffs, mabigat ang odds kontra sa Shell simula sa kanilang quarterfinals matchup versus San Miguel Beer, semifinals faceoff against Barangay Ginebra at lalo na sa finals kung saan haharapin nila either Alaska Milk o Tanduay.

“When we made it past the semis, I remembered being asked whom I want to play in the finals. I said then it’s like I’m choosing a Mike Tyson or a Muhammad Ali. Tanduay can knock you out in one punch while Alaska is like a Muhammad Ali who will beat you with his great tactic,” ani Ronquillo.

Tinalo ng Tanduay ang Alaska, at umabante na top favorite sa finals.

Pero lumabas ang coaching brilliance ni Ronquillo at lumusot ang Shell upang hugutin ang isa sa pinakamalaking championship upset sa PBA history.