JUNTHY Valenzuela stepped up to become the head coach of the Cebu Greats after the MPBL squad under its former ownership suffered a string of lopsided and controversial defeats in the early stages of the season.
Valenzuela admitted in a recent interview with SPIN.ph that he was reluctant at first to accept the position when new management led by team manager John Santos asked him to take over the head coaching position of the Cebu franchise.
But eventually, Cebuano pride took over.
“Nung una, sabi ko, ‘Boss, baka hinid ako fit para diyan dahil professional sila, galing din tayong player, iba ang coaching eh,’” said Valenzuela, who already had coaching experience but at the college level with University of San Carlos.
“Sabi niya, ‘Coach, ikaw talaga ‘yung pino-point ng mga players.’ Sabi ng management tulungan lang natin ‘yung team dahil nga bago sila at kailangan ng coach na isa daw ako sa mga qualified daw. Since taga-Cebu tayo, ‘yung management gustong tumulong, sabi ko, sige subukan nating tulungan ‘yung Cebu,” said Valenzuela.
Prior to the management change, the performance of Cebu in the MPBL drew the ire of the home fans who take pride in the proud basketball history of a place that produced several greats that included eight-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo.
Valenzuela admitted he didn’t keep track of the MPBL that much prior to accepting the role, but as a Cebuano, he admitted his pride was hurt when he got wind of the subpar performances of the Cebu team.
“Hindi naman talaga tayo sumusubaybay sa MPBL dahil may ginagawa rin tayo. Nung tumunong ‘yung balita, na-ano tayo na bakit nagka-ganun, dahil daw sa management, sabi ko sa sarili ko bakit ganun.”
“Nasasaktan din tayo sa balita,” the former PBA player added.
So far, Cebu has yet to win a ballgame since new management took over, but the losses have been close, which included a three-point defeat to two-time defending champion Pampanga Giant Lanterns, 69-66, last June 24.
Last Thursday, Cebu also lost by three to Binan, 81-78.
Still, Valenzuela said he has observed a transformation in the team following the inclusion of another Cebu great Dondon Hontiveros as assistant coach and his son ice and the signing of several players that have Cebu lineage, the latest being Mac Tallo.
“’Yung mga player, parang namo-motivate sila dahil sa bagong management. ‘Yung mga coaching staff, sila Dondon, dumating, may mga bagong players, parang ang ganda ng samahan, maganda ang ensayo,” said Valenzuela.
Cebu currently has a 4-14 win-loss record, and the goal of the former PBA defensive lynchpin is to turn the team into a competitive one.
“Sana maiahon kung saan sila ngayon, ‘yun lang ang goal natin ngayon,” said Valenzuela.
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