But, talking to the Gin Kings head coach Jong Uichico, you get the sense that he still has a lot of work to do, and not much time to do it in. After spending the better part of 13 years with San Miguel Beers franchise, hes slowly getting used to putting on a different uniform when he goes to work. He is literally starting from scratch, although he has a heck of a talent pool to start with. But there are some things that may take a bit more time.
"First is building relationships with the players," Uichico reveals. "Weve built relationships with the players of San Miguel for the past 8, 9, 10 years. Second is the style of play. The style of play that Ginebra is used to and the style of play that San Miguel is used to are two entirely different styles. Were trying to strike a balance, without taking away Ginebras strength."
Since Ginebra started practice earlier than most other teams, theyve got a head start in terms of teamwork and conditioning. Uichico says that theyre in pretty good shape physically, but are still trying to build their chemistry while adapting a new system.
"The trip to Brunei helped us a lot, discovering our weaknesses and our strengths," Uichico says. "It helped them adjust to me as a coach, and helped me adjust to them. Were taking this pre-season tournament of the PBA to get to know everyone better, and see how theyll play with each other."
Although the general impression is that he basically just has to roll out a basketball and watch his powerhouse team steamroll the competition, its far more complicated than that. Each player has to understand how to participate in the process of winning. Ginebra knows that a star-studded team is fertile ground for intrigue and complaints about playing time and scoring opportunities.
"First and foremost is for me to find the players niche in the system," the champion coach of San Miguel Beer explains. "Second is the sacrifice of the players. Because were overloaded in certain positions, one or two have to sacrifice until we find the right rotation and right role-playing. Basically those are the two most important things I have to tackle first."
On another matter, Uichico denied rumors that the Gin Kings are trying to unload center Romel Adducul. According to team management, they dont know who started the rumors, but they havent made any moves in that direction.
"Were not initiating anything. Ive talked to Romel, and he doesnt want to be traded," Uichico declares. "Just because we seem overloaded in certain positions doesnt mean we want to trade anybody. Why would we want to trade Romel, when hes the only legitimate center we have aside from Eric Menk who can score inside?"
At least three teams Talk N Text, Air21 and Welcoat have reportedly expressed interest in acquiring the 66" former Asian Basketball Confederation All-Star. But Uichico says nothing concrete has come up, more so since some teams think that they can get Adducul for a song since his team is loaded with quality players.
"Were just standing here, and theyre the ones approaching us," he elaborates. "But for us to even think about it, it would have to be something really tempting. If not, dont even think about it."
Uichico is in the unenviable position of steering the leagues crowd favorite. And with the abundance of talent that he has, describing his position as "the hot seat" is an understatement.
"Theres much pressure for me to win right away," Uichico admits. "Especially because its Ginebra. Not because its me, but because anyone who coaches Ginebra is expected to win right away. Yun lang. Its part of the job, and we just have to do what is called for."
But what may be called for is a championship, immediately. And that is definitely the biggest difference in coaching Ginebra these days.