ALFRANCIS Chua will make an instant impact on Barangay Ginebra.
Speaking to Spin.ph just hours after his former coach in the amateur leagues and in the PBA was tapped to replace Siot Tanquingcen at Ginebra, Eric Menk said Chua is exactly what the doctor ordered for the league’s most popular team.
He made one compelling argument: Chua is good at motivating players.
“He’s a very good motivator, he gives his players confidence and freedom,” said the 6-5 slotman, the former PBL Rookie of the Year and MVP who led Chua-coached Tanduay teams to multiple titles in the amateur league. “ I had the best years of my career under him.”
Menk, who also led the Tanduay teams when the Lucio Tan franchise took its act to the pro league, also believes that the ponytailed bench tactician has what it takes to bring a championship to Ginebra.
“Ginebra struggled last conference, and they’ve been inconsistent (from the games that I saw). So I think this is where the talent of coach Al comes in”, said the 2004 league MVP.
Menk, however, was the first to say that the job won’t be easy for his longtime mentor.
“He’ll have his hands full there, I’m sure. It’s a high-pressure job. I wish him the best, I think he will do well,” said Menk, who has moved to San Miguel’s team in the ABL prior to the start of the season.
Asked if he is looking forward to returning to the PBA and ending his career under Chua, the 38-year-old Menk said: “I’ve spent months getting ready for San Miguel and hopefully help bring a championship there. I’m focused on that this time.”
But he was quick to add: “We’ll see. I love Ginebra!”
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