CHICAGO - Change is a necessity in the workplace, an instrument often used to inspire the employees to muster an effort that will spark a company's growth.
But it seems to me that what Meralco did in replacing the beloved Norman Black was implement a coaching change just for change's sake.
Tell me I'm wrong and I'll show you a Bolts team that is far from electrifying as they stumbled to a 1-3 start in the ongoing PBA Philippine Cup.
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Easing out Black is turning out to be a short-sighted pivot that appears to have demoralized the Bolts while masking their real problems.
Black was an overachiever.
In his nine years at the helm, he led Meralco to four PBA Finals appearances and at least six semifinals entries. He wasn't the problem, the lack of talent was, and that shortcoming continues to hound the Bolts today.
GREAT GUY IN A BAD SPOT.
Nenad Vucinic, the "active consultant" who is now calling the shots, including directing the huddle at Meralco, is an excellent coach with fabulous credentials. I just don't think he's the right man for the Bolts.
To be clear, Vucinic didn't ask for this job. He was told to step in.
An invaluable asset that Meralco must keep, Vucinic would be better off as a full-time consultant while "head coach" Luigi Trillo should be given the opportunity to call the shots in games and practices.
And here's why.
Trillo knows the lay of the land, the personnel, and the unique nuances in the PBA that may be harder to navigate for an outsider even as brilliant as Vucenic.
Not only is Trillo already a champion coach, he has also proven his worth at Meralco.
When Black left the team for personal reasons last year, Luigi held the Bolts together to a 9-4 slate until Norman returned. Also under Luigi, the Bolts were 7-4 on the PBA Tour and 8-3 in the Commissioner's Cup.
That's 24-11 overall, a 69 percent batting average.
What hurt does it do to try?
BETTER LATE THAN NEVER.
It's not too late to salvage this sinking conference. Maybe Trillo can plot a turnaround.
Look, Meralco ain't going to win the Philippine Cup title, but they can still make the playoffs and be respectable instead of plunging in the dirty, murky waters of mediocrity.
Chris Newsone has been steady for the Bolts the past four games with a combined 68 points, 36 rebounds and 14 assists. And at age 36, Cliff Hodge is far from running out of batteries with 34 points, 32 rebounds and 13 dimes.
But the rest of the guys have been inconsistent.
Maybe Trillo, a familiar voice who has been at Meralco for as long as Black was, can whip them into action.
Or maybe not, but at 1-3, it's worth the shot.
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