Hard work pays off

Barangay Ginebra coach Bethune (Siot) Tanquingcen was humble and modest even as he basked in the limelight after the Kings beat Red Bull, 103-86, to clinch the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Fiesta Conference title in Game 4 of the best-of-5 Finals at the Araneta Coliseum last Wednesday night.

In a TV interview, Tanquingcen was at a loss for words as the Kings fans, deprived of savoring a championship the last seven years, celebrated on the court and in the stands. He bowed his head, clearly not used to being the center of attention. When he finally got his wits together, Tanquingcen thanked the Ginebra multitude for their undying support through the years.

Tanquingcen, 31, never imagined he would coach the league’s most popular team at the start of the season. He was San Miguel Beer coach Joseph Uichico’s chief lieutenant until fate brought him to Ginebra five games into the conference.

"I owe everything to Boss Henry," said Tanquingcen, referring to San Miguel Corp. chairman Eduardo (Danding) Cojuangco’s younger brother who is Ginebra’s moving spirit. "He gave me the chance to show what I can do. He gave me his full trust and confidence."

When fans doubted Tanquingcen’s ability to put the Ginebra house in order, it was "Boss Henry" who kept the faith and encouraged him not to get discouraged–particularly as five straight losses greeted the former University of Santo Tomas guard’s arrival.

Skills coach and plyometrics expert Kirk Collier, an outsider looking in, said Tanquingcen deserves full credit for transforming Ginebra into a championship-caliber squad.

Collier, who was Red Bull’s skills coach for three years and a conference, was hired to train Ginebra and San Miguel players this season. When his contract wasn’t renewed by Red Bull, Collier said he offered his services to other PBA teams.

"Coach Siot works so hard," said Collier, a Master’s degree holder in vocational rehabilitation counseling. "It took coach Siot to get Ginebra to play to its potential. In the past, Ginebra was too unidimensional–the players relied on their individual talents to try to win, they hardly passed the ball."

Collier said he was amazed at Tanquingcen’s work ethic.

"After a game, we’d get together with Boss Henry and talk about what happened, sometimes until 2 in the morning," continued Collier. "Then, at 7:30, coach Siot will be breaking down tape with Binky (Favis), Jun (Sauler) and George (Ella). That would go on until practice at 2 p.m. That’s how dedicated coach Siot is. He doesn’t leave a stone unturned. When I found out he has a girlfriend, I couldn’t believe it. I’ve never seen her. She must be very patient with him."

Tanquingcen’s history as a player was far from historic. He was one of only two players snubbed in the 1996 draft and averaged less than two points in four forgettable seasons as a reserve point guard. Tanquingcen himself admitted he wasn’t much of a player but nobody burned a passion for the game like him.

Dedication, determination and discipline–those were the three Ds that carried Tanquingcen to where he is today.

"The Ginebra players probably wondered if he could do the job at the start," said Collier. "After a while, they saw his effort and energy. Once, after a loss, he told the players, I let you down, I didn’t prepare hard enough. That’s the kind of guy he is. We win or lose as a team. He’s low-key, something that rubbed off from coach Joseph (Uichico). Maybe, people tend to underestimate coach Siot. But he just outworks everybody. He took advantage of this opportunity to do the best he could. There are only 10 head coaching jobs in the PBA and he has one of them. He’s a young coach but even if he’s inexperienced, he’s wise. Once I saw him at the mall, walking around alone, and I asked him what he was up to and he told me he was thinking about what to do in the next game. That’s how he is. He’s done a phenomenal job."

Collier said Tanquingcen sold the concept of playing as a team to the Ginebra cast. "That’s his philosophy," explained Collier. "He got everyone involved on both ends, creating opportunities for each other. Look at the team’s assist stats. Last year, the average was about 17. This year, it’s up to close to 23."

The transformation was evident in last Wednesday’s clincher as Ginebra piled up 32 assists to Red Bull’s 19. Mark Caguioa, known as a one-on-one artist, delivered seven assists to go with his 26 points and eight rebounds. Torraye Braggs had seven assists, too. Jay-Jay Helterbrand, who struggled with his shot, more than made up for his 1-of-13 showing by dishing nine assists.

Collier said team manager Allan Caidic, whom Tanquingcen succeeded, played a major role in building the Kings’ foundations. "Allan was behind coach Siot from the start," said Collier. "He backed him up, stayed with it, threw in his suggestions and got the guys together. Everyone did his part."

Collier said his own role was secondary. "My job is basically in the offseason when I train the players," he noted. "Give credit to Andy (Seigle). He’s always had the potential to play big. He got in shape, started to lift weights and look how he performed in the Finals. We’ll work with Andy in the offseason some more and he’ll be much better next conference. Same with Mark. I can’t wait to work with Mark. He’s such a talented and explosive player. I consider Allen Iverson a scorer but Mark and Jay-Jay are offensive players who can do a lot more on the floor."

Collier said Tanquingcen’s work ethic is contagious. "The players work so hard at practice," he added. "I think 90 percent of winning comes from practice. Coach Siot earned everybody’s respect by working hard. And he never backed off from accepting the responsibility of losing."

"The players deserved all the credit. I was just lucky to be associated with them," Tanquingcen said.

Tanquingcen, the personification of Ginebra’s never-say-die attitude, walked a thousand miles, endured sleepless nights and overcame daunting odds to reach the top. His Cinderella story is as inspiring as David’s incredible victory over Goliath.