BARANGAY Ginebra is giving Jeff Chan enough time to start a new chapter in his PBA career following the trade that brought him to the PBA's most popular team on Monday.
Chan, acquired from Phoenix in exchange for a future draft pick, has so little time to grasp the intricacies of Tim Cone's pet triangle offense before making his debut with the Gin Kings in a crucial Commissioner's Cup game against Columbian on Wednesday night.
Chan, however, was assured he will be given enough time to make the adjustment.
“Sabi nga niya (coach Tim Cone), maiksi ‘yung time,” said Chan at the end of Ginebra practice - his second with the team - on Tuesday. “May game na kami tomorrow. Nag-discuss na siya sa mga basic plays kasi baka daw mahilo ako. Sometimes kasi confusing daw. Hindi naman niya ako bibiglain.”
Still, the 34-year-old top gun hopes to make an immediate impact for the Kings, especially with the team precariously placed at ninth place with a 3-5 record and still outside the magic circle of eight that will make the playoffs.
“Happy ako na makakatulong ako. Hopefully nga, talagang matulungan ko sila para ‘yung options namin, hindi lang lagi sa loob,” said the former Far Eastern University standout.
Chan is thrilled about the opportunity of spacing the floor for Ginebra's big men Greg Slaughter and Japeth Aguilar - a role he has become quite familiar with in a career than included stops at Rain or Shine and Barako Bull.
It makes his job easier, he said.
“Actually, mas madali kasi mas maganda talaga kapag may post presence lalo na pag shooters at guards kasi mag-o-open up. Kapag wala, medyo mahirap. Medyo napadali ‘yung buhay,” Chan said.
The Bacolod native said it’s a dream come true to play for Ginebra, noting with surprise that his phone has been very busy the past 24 hours with calls, text messages and notifications from social media.
“It’s a dream din. Lahat naman ng players gusto rin makalaro sa Ginebra na maganda rin ang sistema at organization,” said Chan, adding he also had mixed feelings leaving Phoenix.
“Kapag nasa isang team ka, may bonding at friendship din. Malungkot din sila. Kailangan natin mag-move on. Kailangan mo mag-move on, kung hindi, hindi ka maglalaro ng mabuti,” said Chan.
Chan also thanked the barangay for the warm welcome.
“Wag sila masyadong mag-expect. Kung ano ibigay ng coaching staff, coach Tim, I will do my best. Basta kami, may one goal kami. Makarating sa playoffs. ‘Yun ang ultimate goal, makarating sa championship,” said Chan.
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