ALEX Compton is not worried about his job as Alaska coach, saying his absence during the offseason has the blessing of team owner Fred Uytengsu.
Speaking for the first time about the rumors surrounding his role at Alaska, Compton said Uytengsu has not mentioned anything about his job until reports surfaced that he is out as head coach of the Aces.
“Not worried actually,” said Compton, who has gone 0-5 in the PBA Finals as Alaska coach. “The biggest thing is knowing how Fred is and how he is. He is the type of guy I can, with heartful of faith, say that if that time comes, and when that time comes, he will sit with me, look me in the eye, and tell me.”
“I didn’t really care. Fred will look me into the eye and tell me,” Compton added.
Compton said he is no stranger to rumors at Alaska, including the supposed sale of the team to a different company. But Uytengsu has always addressed these rumors square on, he added.
“There are all kinds of rumors about Alaska being sold since I got to Alaska. And he looked me in the eye and said I will tell you if that happens,” said Compton. “I can trust him a hundred percent."
Compton said he understands the rumors that surfaced about the team after he left for the US to attend to a 'personal matter.' Compton arrived in Manila on the eve of Alaska’s match against Rain or Shine.
“I had to leave and do something incredibly important and I’m blessed to work for this organization. I don’t know a lot of employers that would really live out the idea that we are a set of family first.”
“I can tell you I’m so grateful that I worked for his organization and it is family first. It’s not a phrase. It’s lived out. As a head coach, I came back, and I was here for a week to start our preseason and conditioning, and I had to go. And the first person that told me to go was Fred. You take care of your family. Family first,” said Compton.
“I hope you all get to work for such an organization because the rubber meets the road when your principles have to be applied. It was applied. I’m grateful,” he added.
Uytengsu immediately denied the report that Compton was on his way out as head coach, a gesture that Compton appreciates.
“That’s Fred. He is awesome to work for. He will sit me down and tell me when it’s done. When it is, if it is, whatever happens, then great. But I know I can trust that,” Compton said.
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