MANILA, Philippines – Barangay Ginebra’s vaunted “Fast and Furious†tandem of Jayjay Helterbrand and Mark Caguioa had contrasting take on the crisis that broke out in the Ginebra camp on Monday.
Snow Badua of Spin.ph first broke the report that Alfrancis Chua has supposedly stepped down as Ginebra coach following a disagreement with the management on the coaching shake-up and player movement during the conference break.
Apparently, Chua did not like the way the management has been shuffling their personnel after painstakingly building the team chemistry that almost won them a championship last conference.
Caguioa and Helterbrand, who have seen better days being the longest tenured players in the current Ginebra roster, said in previous interviews that Chua has brought the "never-say-die spirit" back.
The outspoken Caguioa posted cryptic messages on his Twitter account (@officialMC47) after the team's first practice since losing to the Alaska Aces in the PBA Commissioner's Cup finals.
Say it isnt so #GINEBRAWEAREONE
— Mark Caguioa (@officialMC47) July 15, 2013
The reigning PBA MVP followed it up with another tweet, this time with reference to their embattled coach.
Strong players dont win championships "Coach Al" #ITSALLABOUTCHEMISTRY
— Mark Caguioa (@officialMC47) July 15, 2013
In contrast, Helterbrand, who has revived his career under Chua after a bout with knee injuries, has opted to keep mum on the issue and pray that everything will turn out fine.
"I'd rather not comment right now and [am] not really sure what's going on," Helterbrand told Philstar.com in a text message. "I pray it will work out."
Philstar.com has tried to reach Chua but his phone just kept ringing.