FORMER Barangay Ginebra assistant coach Allan Caidic presided over the Gin Kings’ practice on Tuesday in the absence of head coach Alfrancis Chua but was quick to quash rumors that he is set to assume the reins for the pro league’s most popular ball club.
Caidic said he merely showed up in the Gin Kings’ training session at the Xavier School gym in Greenhills, San Juan to show his support for the team following head coach Alfrancis Chua’s shocking announcement that he’s resigning from his post on Monday.
“Tulong-tulong lang kami (other Ginebra coaching staff). Ako lang pinag-preside nila kanina syempre yung tatlo bago pa,” Caidic told Spin.ph after practice, referring to Ato Agustin, Jorge Gallent and Boycie Zamar who are all part of Ginebra's rejigged coaching staff.
Caidic along Juno Sauler, another Ginebra assistant coach, were recently reassigned by San Miguel Corp. big boss Eduardo 'Danding' Cojuangco to handle the La Salle Green Archers in the UAAP on a full-time basis, with Sauler the head coach and Caidic his top assistant.
However, Caidic had said on Facebook that he will rejoin the Ginebra staff at the end of the Green Archers' campaign in the UAAP.
Caidic said his decision to appear on Day two of the Gin Kings’ practice has nothing to do with with him taking over the coaching chores. (For full story on Chua's resignation, see Coach Al Chua announces resignation before players as turmoil grips Ginebra)
“Sinasabi ko nga sa kanila Ato na huwag sila mahiya. Siyempre, nagko-coach na kami sa La Salle. Pero mahirap naman iwanan ang mga players so we’re just waiting for the decision of management,” added the former PBA star.
Before the start of practice, Caidic gathered all the Ginebra players that included import Dior Lowhorn and urged them to keep their focus on conditioning and let management take care of the coaching situation.
“Ngayong week, conditioning lang ang mga players. We’re just waiting. Pero kung ano man ang maging decision ng management regarding the status of coach Al, we just have to move on if itutuloy niya yun,” he added.
However, Caidic has asked the players to continue the strong camaraderie that the team developed under Chua’s time.
“We just have to continue his (Chua) legacy na being together. The never-say-die spirit should continue. Okay naman ang ibang mga players, nabigla lang sila sa announcement,” said 'The Triggerman.'