CREAMLINE has parted ways with Chinese coach Huanning Li, but who's in charge?
Li's brief stint with the Cool Smashers ended after a straight-sets loss to Petro Gazz on Sunday but his supposed replacement, Tai Bundit, wasn't around when the team returned to action in the PVL Season 3 Reinforced Conference.
Instead, it was assistant coach Ed Ortega who was asked to take over during Tuesday’s training and temporarily call the shots in the 25-21, 25-16, 25-18 victory over Pacifictown-Army on Wednesday at the Arena in San Juan.
Creamline management issued no statement on the coaching changes, and even refuses to confirm the rehiring of Bundit.
Asked about the sudden changes, Ortega said the program of the Chinese coach simply didn’t suit the Cool Smashers.
“They are trying to find a suitable program for the team. Sad to say, Creamline and coach Li, kailangan talaga mag part ways,” said Ortega.
Ortega made key adjustments to the rotation and the team's training. Michele Gumabao, who played limited minutes in their lone game under Li, unloaded 13 points to lead the Cool Smashers in scoring.
Ortega saod he doesn't know how long he will call the shots for Creamline as team management remained mum on Bundit, although league sources said the Thai coach is set to arrive on Monday.
That means Ortega will still call the shots for Creamline on Sunday in the game against BanKo.
“Sinabihan lang ako ng management na may head coach pero hindi nila sinasabi kung sino. Wala talaga akong idea so ngayon, ako pa rin bahala sa training,” said Ortega, who bared that his coaching style was inspired by Bundit.
Creamline skipper Alyssa Valdez was happy to help Ortega out and was vocal during timeout huddles.
“You’re responsible for what you’re doing inside and outside and you're responsible for your teammates. So, kapag may nakikita ka na mali, you have to correct,” Valdez said. “We're just really lucky na ganito 'yung mga coaches na ina-allow kami na mag speak up.”
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