Choosing next Gilas coach

In reply to the question of who’s your choice as next Gilas coach, the majority of the entries to our “Pasko Sa Enero” contest picked Tim Cone with Chito Victolero, Jimmy Alapag, Brian Goorjian, Rajko Toroman, Nenad Vucinic, Jong Uichico, Topex Robinson, Goldwyn Monteverde, Ryan Gregorio, Charles Tiu, Tab Baldwin, Norman Black, Erik Spoelstra, David Blatt and Sergio Scariolo, among others, getting votes.

Entries for the contest came from all over, including Metro Manila, Pangasinan, Catanduanes, Bulacan, Laguna, Nueva Ecija, Bataan, Pampanga, Tarlac, La Union, Cavite, Cagayan, Cebu and Saudi Arabia. So it was a good gauge of the popular sentiment, considering there were thousands of entries that came in via Instagram, Twitter (X) and email.

First prize winner Luisito Vallo of Calasiao, Pangasinan, had a unique answer. He said: “No specific name but should be someone who is a full-time and long-term coach, someone not committed or signed up by a basketball team, whether pro or collegiate, so that continuity of a program/system is observed or achieved.”

Second prize winner Joseph Aragones of Los Baños, Laguna, picked Cone. He said: “Tim Cone, an American with a Filipino heart and a heart for Filipinos, took the Asiad coaching reins for the country’s sake and is the most ideal fit as he has seen every hardcourt battle there is, not to mention managing technical hiccups that go along with the job like the replacement of players before the final lineup in Hangzhou, bringing overflowing wisdom and an unbelievable paternal charisma that glue and motivate his players to give it their all and leave everything on the floor, win or lose. The man just happens to be the winningest coach in PBA history and he’s not done winning. Perhaps, he never will.”

Third prize winner Ronchester Oloresisimo of Tuktukan, Taguig, chose Robinson. He said: “Coach Topex has a deep understanding of the game, his leadership skills, communication ability and strategic thinking are some of the best in today’s game. I admire him because he’s a great leader who can create a positive team culture and build cohesion among his players. His ability to inspire, motivate and lead players to win is truly remarkable.”

Fourth prize winner Kim Gacayan of Bacoor, Cavite, picked Victolero. He said: “For me, the coach should be defense-minded for some of the world’s best teams are explosive offensively. Defense creates offense, to create more pressure on the opposing team. My coach is Chito Victolero of Magnolia.”

Fifth prize winner Marco Manipon of Barangka-Ilaya, Mandaluyong, chose Goorjian. He said: “This may be far-fetched since he’s probably occupied but if it’s possible, my choice is Brian Goorjian, given his experience in major international play and success in other countries’ reputable professional leagues. His stature alone commands respect and his accolades will be totally helpful to our next Gilas players.”