MANILA, Philippines – After the Brgy. Ginebra Kings early exit in the season-ending PBA Governors’ Cup, injured superstar Mark Caguioa asked Ato Agustin’s critics to give their coach a break.
“Sa amin, wala kaming problema na si coach Al being the team manager and coach Ato being our head coach. Coach Ato is really nice. It’s unfair for coach Ato because it’s very short conference,†said Caguioa referring to some quarters clamoring for Agustin’s head.
Chua has already dismissed talks of his return to his old post saying he’s loving his new role as the team manager.
Read related story: Chua to stick as Ginebra team manager; Agustin likely to stay as coach
For Caguioa’s part, he’s asking the fans to be patient with Agustin and the team.
Agustin only came on board as one of the assistant coaches for Chua during the conference break. But management issues forced Chua to resign paving the way for Agustin, who gave Petron one PBA title, to take over.
Agustin remained even after Chua was persuaded to return. Chua took on a different capacity and took the backseat and let Agustin handle things.
“At that time hindi rin niya (Agustin) alam na he was going to be the head coach. For him to be successful, siyempre kahit sino namanng coach kailangan din medyo matagal siya sa team,†Caguioa explained.
Caguioa is hoping that Agustin will return as their head coach.
“Hopefully, siya pa rin. At least this [coming] conference, mas mahaba. Dito natin makikita kung talagang magbe-blend ang team.
It was not exactly what Agustin had in mind when he took over but he’s glad the Kings made it to the quarters and gave his former team Petron a good fight.
“Kinapos pero at least nakapasok kami sa quarterfinals. At maganda naman ang exit namin like itong nangyari this game, we’re down by 25 but we’re able to cut it down to one kaya lang kapos talaga sa tao,†said Agustin.
Read related story: Caguioa hopes to heal fast for All-Filipino Cup
“Malaking factor yung pagkawala ni Mark. Wala ka na ngang Japeth (Aguilar), wala ka pang Caguioa. Wala pa si Kerby Raymundo sa timing. Siguro bawi na lang kami sa All Filipino,†Agustin added.