GUIDED by two individuals who share a deep passion for basketball, Gilas Pilipinas exceeded expectations to win the gold medal in the last Asian Games in China.
Alfrancis Chua provides a wealth of experience, having been a player, coach, and manager while Willie Marcial, a fan at heart, brings an infectious enthusiasm that resonates with players and supporters alike.
Together, they created a collection of talents into a team devoid of superstars, a harmonious ensemble on the court. They succeeded in fostering a culture of camaraderie and instilling a sense of belonging among players.
Chua: ‘Walang superstar dito’
During his first meeting with the team he helped form, Chua emphasized the commitment to a common goal, where selflessness prevails over individual glory.
“Walang superstar dito, walang chairman, walang commissioner at walang manager,” the Ginebra manager told the team. “Lahat tayo, tulong-tulong.”
Marcial, the PBA commissioner, said if there was one thing that is etched forever in his mind it is the team’s bayanihan spirit.
Citing an example, Marcial said the team had to walk 150 meters from the gate of the stadium, bringing along all the things it needed, including packed meals, because their rented bus was not given the proper accreditation.
“Lahat may bitbit galing sa bus palakad papuntang stadium,” Marcial recalled. “Pati si chairman (Ricky Vargas) may dala.”
It was the least of the difficulties faced by Gilas in the run-up to the Games.
Even before the team left for China, Marcial said the four late additions almost failed to board the plane.
“Wala pa mga papel, buti naihabol sa airport,” he recalled.
Chua also talked about two players who nearly did not play after a mixup of jersey numbers.
“Nagwala ako. I demanded they produce the original document,” he said.
Chua, ever the optimist, told Marcial: “Sa dami ng masamang nangyari sa atin, siguro naman, may magandang mangyayari.”
Gilas Pilipinas, led by Utah Jazz star Jordan Clarkson, was coming off a disappointing performance at the FIBA World Cup which the country hosted.
The Asiad-bound team was only formed less than two weeks before the start of the Games. The Nationals trained for 12 days and had to replace four players whose inclusion was disallowed by organizers.
Marcial: ‘The Miracle Team’
Marcial admitted he was not hopeful and expected early elimination.
“Nag-book na ako ng bakasyon para sa pamilya sa Hong Kong ung sakaling uuwi kami ng maaga,” he disclosed.
Little did he realize that the team, led by coach Tim Cone, had other things in mind.
Marcial, who gladly canceled the booking, named Gilas as “The Miracle Team.”
Chua and Marcial share many things in common, apart from their love for basketball.
They prefer shirts and jeans to business suits and are at ease surrounded by common people. They are approachable and have a knack for connecting with players.
When Chris Newsome became gun-shy after shooting badly in a previous game, Chua pulled him into a corner and told him: “Kudrado ba ang bola? May nakalagay ba sa kontrata mo kung ilang beses ka lang titira?”
In the next game, Newsome made key contributions to the team.
Chua goes beyond the job description that endears him to people he connects with. He’s willing to get out of his way to help players in any way he can.
So when he invited JuneMar Fajardo and Scottie Thompson to join the squad, there was no hesitation on their part.
Fajardo, who had just arrived in Cebu City, took the next available flight the next day to Manila.
Thompson, on the other hand, canceled his vacation in Japan.
To show his appreciation, Chua convinced the other team managers to give Gilas players 10-day vacations following the Asian Games.
A departure from previous practice, Gilas players received their allowances before they left for China.
“Kahit may mga suweldo yan sa kanilang team, kailangan pa rin nilang mag-iwan ng pera sa kanilang pamilya,” Chua justified.
Chua believes that happy players make championships. And he has been proven right time and again.
The simplicity and down-to-earth demeanor of Chua and Marcial set the tone for the entire team, fostering a culture where national pride, teamwork, and humility reign supreme.
They are this year’s picks for spin.ph’s Executives of the Year.
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