REYNEL Hugnatan has the blessings of Meralco management to revive his playing career with the San Juan Knights in the MPBL.
Coach Luigi Trillo said the 45-year-old member of Meralco's coaching staff asked the permission of team management first before signing up with the franchise owned by Senator Jinggoy Estrada.
At the same time, the Bolts wouldn’t deny any of its coaches of such an opportunity, Trillo added.
“As a coach, you also look out for your coaches also. You’re happy for their opportunities to play, and parang kaya pa naman niya,” said Trillo of Hugnatan, who’s actually a fitness buff during his playing days with Meralco.
A native of Bacolod City, Hugnatan suited up for the Bolts from 2011-2023 and was part of the team’s three runner-up finishes during that stretch.
Shortly after retiring from the PBA, Trillo announced Hugnatan will be joining the Bolts as part of their coaching staff.
Hugnatan comes out of retirement
But December of last year, the 6-foot-4 forward came out of retirement and signed for the MisOr Mustangs in the PSL President’s Cup.
And just three weeks ago, Hugnatan officially joined the Knights in the MPBL.
“Siguro he knows his priorities. But as long as he can do both, we encourage him,” said Trillo. “I think he asked our team management (about it). But who wouldn’t want an opportunity like that.”
The Meralco coach said Hugnatan acting as one of his deputies and playing in another league at the same time could both work ways for Meralco.
“Sometimes you have assistant coaches there in the UAAP and NCAA kasi they know the (rookie) draft,” Trillo said. “Sa amin malaking bagay yung MPBL, baka may makita tayong diamond in the rough diyan, di ba. Kaya OK naman.”
So far, Hugnatan has diligently been attending Meralco games in the Philippine Cup, including Friday night’s game against Phoenix which the Bolts won, 82-76, to remain in the running for a playoffs berth.
No conflict has yet to arise, too as far as his dual roles are concerned.
“I think if it’s the same game day, that might be the conflict,” said Trillo. “But si Rey naman nagpapaalam. So I think that would be discussed with management pero pinapaalam naman niya.”
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