CONVERGE coach Delta Pineda has noticeably given team consultant Djordje Jovicic the free hand in calling the shots during games since the resumption of the PBA 50th Season Governors’ Cup.
Since rejoining the FiberXers during the conference restart after his recent stint in Indonesia, Jovicic taken a more active role on the bench in the team's last two games including last Friday’s 162-108 win over Macau.
Pineda said his duties as Pampanga vice governor prompted him to ask help from Jovicic, who has become one of his trusted men dating back to his stint as head coach of the Pampanga Giant Lanterns in the MPBL.
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“I’m the head coach but still, ‘yung time, I need to focus pa rin doon sa priorities ko as a public servant,” said Pineda. “Kailangan ko pa rin ng makakasama, and you know naman Djordje, he’s with me for how many years na rin.”
Jovicic has been largely credited for the team’s success during the 49th Season Philippine Cup where Converge reached the quarterfinals as the fourth seed, although the FiberXers lost to Barangay Ginebra despite holding twice-to-beat advantage.
"Nung onboard siya, maganda 'yung tinakbo ng team. Nung nawala, nanibago rin 'yung mga players. Kinuha uli namin, baka sakaling makatulong," said Converge team governor Archen Cayabyab in an interview earlier this month after a tune-up game before the PBA restart.
Pineda said they have been longing to bring the Serbian mentor back for quite a while but had to wait for his commitments with Indonesia to finish.
“The last time I asked him kasi, nasa Indonesia siya that time. Nagkaroon ng opportunity kaya tinawagan ko uli siya, nagpatulong ako uli,” Pineda said.
Jovicic is off to a great start in his return as team consultant, putting together blowout wins against Titan Ultra, 152-119, last Sunday and that lopsided win over Macau.
The 162 points on Friday is the most in franchise history, surpassing the 152 against Titan Ultra just five days ago.
But Pineda said Converge’s focus right now is on defense which is one of Jovicic’s strengths, exactly what he is instilling in the team as the playoffs approach.
“Ang importante ‘yung adjustment ng team right now especially on our defense with what Coach Djordje is doing right now. ‘Yung focus namin, not on offense right now. We are focusing on our defense,” said Pineda.
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