No disclosure of candidates

SBP vice chairman Ricky Vargas said the other day the Selection Committee, tasked to submit a short list of candidates for the Gilas head coaching job, will not disclose who are to be nominated. A source said eight names have surfaced in the deliberations but Vargas wouldn’t confirm it.

The eight rumored nominees are Eric Altamirano, Tab Baldwin, Norman Black, Tim Cone, Yeng Guiao, Robert Jaworski, Franz Pumaren and Jong Uichico. “First of all, nobody is applying for the position,” said Vargas. “So I think it’s unfair to name names. The Selection Committee will consider possible candidates. Maybe, we’ll trim down the options to two or three. If we’re down to two or three, perhaps we’ll invite them to discuss the Gilas program and get to know them a little better.”

Eventually, the Selection Committee may submit two names for SBP president Manny V. Pangilinan to decide who will be Chot Reyes’ successor. The Selection Committee was scheduled to meet yesterday. Vargas said there may be a need to call for another meeting next week before submitting the two names to Pangilinan.

PBA chairman Patrick Gregorio said he’s not at liberty to divulge if six or seven or eight candidates are under review. “This is an extremely confidential matter that involves men of high esteem,” he said. Obviously, choosing one over the other is not a reflection of superior capability or talent or coaching knowledge. There are factors of experience, full-time commitment and family to consider. However, public perception may put the candidates in a ranking order which could lead to unjust comparison. Vargas’ view of keeping the names under wraps, therefore, is an expression of respect for all those being considered for the position.

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Announcing the list of candidates will also put the nominees in an uncomfortable situation. Take, for instance, the case of current PBA coaches Black, Cone, Guiao and Uichico. If their names come out as candidates, surely, they’ll be deluged with questions from media on their availability, taking away the focus on their PBA teams. It’s a worse case with Uichico if he is considered with Baldwin because they work together at Talk ‘N’ Text. Uichico is the Texters’ head coach and Baldwin a consultant in the staff. It’s more than likely that if the names are disclosed, many will withdraw from contention.

Deliberations should be not only secret but also discreet. One man who should be spared from a disclosure is Jaworski, a former Senator and revered as the Living Legend. The Big J has made it clear that if offered the job, he won’t back off. But he has also qualified unconditionally that he’s not applying for it.

Jaworski said excluding himself, the seven rumored candidates are “appropriately equipped and highly qualified to do the job as possible head coaches of the national team.” He added, “As a reaction to a question posed by a member of the press in a recent ambush interview, where I was asked the question, will you accept to coach the national team, my reply was that, heading the national team would always be a great honor and privilege.”

But Jaworski said beyond the choice of a coach, he’s hoping for a clear definition of the objectives and philosophy of the entire Gilas program by the SBP. “Our one desire is for the Philippines to shine in whatever field, especially in sports because it is an important aspect of our society,” said Jaworski. “That’s why when asked if I would like to coach the national team, my answer came straight from the heart.”

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Jaworski said “While my love for country and my services will forever be available and on call, our utmost priority should be to organize a concerted effort in redefining the philosophy we want to pursue (because) our country deserves no less and likewise deserves a taste of victory.” He then added, “hopefully, my humble wisdom and experience can be shared at an advisory level.”

Surely, Jaworski’s inputs will be valuable to the national squad. His mere presence at a team practice or on the bench during a game is an inspiration. Jaworski symbolizes Philippine basketball and the never-say-die spirit that Filipinos embrace as their call to arms. The Big J isn’t applying to be the head coach. What he’s offering is a helping hand. If Gilas is all about fight and heart, Jaworski knows the battlecry well – he’s been to countless wars abroad for the country and never came home with head bowed.

Jaworski’s value to the national team goes beyond being the head coach. His stature sets him apart from everybody else in the basketball landscape. It would be unjust to put Jaworski on the same level as others who are under consideration for the Gilas job. Jaworski should be the Gilas brand ambassador, someone who exudes the nationalism and patriotism of every Filipino, the symbol of Filipino basketball excellence. Somebody else should be Gilas head coach because Jaworski’s role could be far greater.