ANTIPOLO – Two coaches in two PBA conferences.
That’s the adjustment rookie Dalph Panopio has to make following the coaching change effected at Blackwater in the hopes of turning around its campaign in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
From Jeff Cariaso, Panopio -- the third overall pick during the Season 50 draft -- now has to get accustomed with the system of new coach Pat Aquino.
The 25-year-old Fil-Italian admitted it’s the first time he experienced playing for a team which changed coaches in the midst of a tournament.
READ: TNT survives late Blackwater run to spoil Pat Aquino's PBA debut
“Malaking panibago sa akin, but at the same time, I understand it’s business. Ito yung sinasabi nila na control what you can control,” said Panopio.
While he has yet to process that his former coach is no longer around, the rookie guard had to set emotions aside and focus on the work at hand.
That came right on the button Tuesday night as Panopio finished with 17 points in leading the Blackwater locals in a close 95-89 loss to defending champion TNT at the Ynares Center.
Panopio had nine of his total output in the fourth quarter as he teamed up with import Robert Upshaw III and Sedrick Barefield in rallying from a 17-point deficit in a huge comeback that just fell short in the endgame.
The 6-foot-1 Panopio also had nine rebounds, four assists, and two steals in a performance that drew raves from no less than TNT coach Chot Reyes.
The rookie though, would rather have the win especially since Blackwater suffered its third straight loss and fell to a 1-5 record.
“Siyempre, nobody naman ang gustong matalo,” stressed Panopio. “But tuluy-tuloy lang ang adjustment.”
Familiar face for Dalph
At the same time, he’s also ecstatic to see Aquino succeed Cariaso as Blackwater head coach.
Aside from having worked with Aquino before with the Bossing, he also got to know Aquino well during their stint in last year’s Southeast Asian Games as both were part of the Gilas Pilipinas basketball teams.
“Nag-meet kami ng husto ni coach Pat sa SEA Games, he’s with the women’s team,” said Panopio, who was part of the men’s national team that retained the basketball gold.
“So feel ko parang more like may tiwala na kami sa isa’t isa. I’m happy na siya ang pumalit kay coach Jeff kasi ang feeling ko if other coach from the outside stepped in, it would have been harder,” he added.
So in as much as he felt sad seeing the same coach who trusted him with the third overall pick in last year’s draft go, the fight continues for the Blackwater rookie.
“Maganda yung ginawa ni Boss Dioceldo (Sy) kasi coach Pat also has a lot of experience,” Panopio said.
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