FRANKIE Lim taking over as new coach of Barangay Ginebra appears to be just the tip of the iceberg.
Massive changes within the most popular ballclub in the PBA is expected to shape up by next week when Lim is set to finally sit down with San Miguel Corp. big boss Ramon S. Ang.
According to insiders, the Ginebra revamp could start within the coaching staff as Ato Agustin – the man Lim replaced at the helm – might be shipped back to San Miguel along with assistant coach Jorge Gallent.
Before winning the Philippine Cup last conference, San Miguel last bagged a championship in 2011 during the season-ending Governors Cup under Agustin.
It is unclear however, if Lim will be allowed to bring in a number of his former coaching staff during his days with San Beda, although sources said current deputies Olsen Racela and Freddie Abuda will stay with Ginebra.
“Hindi pa nagkakausap sila boss RSA (Ang) at Frankie. Pero 'yan ang initial na plano,” said the source.
“Baka next week na kausapin ni boss si Frankie. Pero knowing boss RSA, he wants the best for the team. Siya na nga ang kumilos ngayon,” added the same source.
[See SMC big boss Ramon Ang confirms Lim is new Ginebra coach]
And then there’s the players’ movement.
Seldom-used sophomore James Forrester and Dylan Ababou had already been shipped to Barako Bull for the team’s 2015 first round draft pick.
There will be other deals to follow depending on how the new Ginebra coach will lay down his plans for the team during his meeting with Ang.
The uncertain situation is making some players anxious.
“Lahat kami dito hindi sure. Ako nga baka ma-trade din daw ako eh. Depende kasi yan sa team na bubuuin ni coach Frankie,” said one Ginebra player who refused to be named.
Spin.ph tried to contact Lim, but the former PBA player didn’t answer calls.
Ginebra last won a championship during the 2008 Fiesta Conference. The Kings twice made the Finals after that, but ended up at the losing end against Talk ‘N Text in 2011 (Commissioner’s Cup) and Alaska in 2013 (Commissioner’s Cup).
Meanwhile, former Letran coach Louie Alas, who was Lim’s former coaching rival in the NCAA, believes the multi-titled San Beda coach could bring wonders to Ginebra.
“May basketball knowledge 'yang si Frankie. He knows his coaching. Dating de-kalibreng point guard sa PBA 'yan eh,” said Alas, who also worked with Lim at Purefoods as members of Eric Altamirano’s coaching staff in 1997 to 1999.
“I think he can instill discipline and direction in the team. Hindi natin masabi kung ano mangyayari, but he can coach. Apat na straight na championship sa NCAA 'yan kaya sisiguraduhin ko sa yo, magaling mag coach yan," he added.
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