But this doesn’t seem to create a dent on the Phone Pals’ confidence as they remain optimistic they could do the job whoever is in the saddle — just like the legendary thoroughbred Seabiscuit whose exploits were relived in a recent movie.
Drawing inspiration from the Seabiscuit film which was shown during their team building session, the Phone Pals hope to stay on a roll even as they play under yet another interim coach in Virgil Villavicencio versus FedEx at resumption of the Samsung PBA Reinforced Conference at the Philsports Arena today.
American consultant Maz Trakh sits beside Villavicencio on the bench in their 5 p.m. tiff with FedEx.
Barangay Ginebra and Red Bull Barako clash in the other game at 7:30 p.m.
"It’s his (Villavicencio’s) first game calling the shots in the PBA. We’ll give him all the support to make it memorable," Talk n Text board representative Ricky Vargas told The STAR.
But coaching by committee has become the order in practice for the Phone Pals with Banal and Vanguardia in attendance together Villavicencio, Trakh and Aric del Rosario.
"Our No. 1 guy (Banal) is out, our No. 2 guy (Vanguardia) is out and now I’m also out. So, basically, we’ll be coaching by committee," said Bayno who has returned to US.
Everything will be back to normal at Talk n Text only after Banal finishes his job with the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the current UAAP campaign. The Blue Eagles have made it to the Final Four.
"The team’s goal is to stay above .500 (win-loss percentage) until coach Joel (Banal) returns," said Vanguardia, who is still suspended as a result of their controversial game versus Red Bull Barako in the Invitationals.
Bayno gave the Phone Pals an even 1-1 record. He left for the US Sunday to get back at the helm of the Yakima Sun Kings in the CBA. They lost their first game to the Shell Turbochargers before bouncing back with a rout of the Thunder Friday.
FedEx also sports a 1-1 slate with a loss to Red Bull Barako and a win over San Miguel.