COACHES tend to scramble and flare up on the sidelines, particularly during timeouts, to keep players on their toes when things aren’t going their way.
As we've always known, ZUS Coffee head coach Jerry Yee is the exception.
From the college ranks to the pros, Yee’s nonchalance and cool demeanor often sparks curiosity among spectators - and even his own players.
But for a coach who doesn't say much, he sure has been winning quite a lot as of late, as evidenced by their franchise-best 4-0 start in import-laden play.
Thunderbelles captain Cloanne Mondoñedo and veteran winger Jovelyn Gonzaga both know that there's more to such coaching antics than the cold, emotion-less facade it often conveys.
Mondoñedo, who has been Yee’s main setter from Benilde to Farm Fresh and now ZUS Coffee, bared how her longtime mentor’s on-court silence goes beyond the games, as even practices carry the same approach of letting his players do the talking.
“Matagal ko nang kilala si coach Jerry, so hindi na bago for me. Kami rin naman sa practice ‘yung nag-uusap sa bawat isa sa’min, so nasanay na rin kami na kami na ‘yung bahala sa loob ng court,” said Mondoñedo, who currently leads the league in playmaking with 6.43 excellent sets per set.
That unequivocal trust she receives from Yee is one she passes on to her teammates, young and old, to deliver the big hits — and that has fueled the Thunderbelles' perfect start to the conference.
“Grabe rin ‘yung trust sa isa’t-isa. Kita niyo naman sa court, lahat naman kami, at ako bilang setter, tiwala ako sa lahat ng spikers ko and also ‘yung libero namin na binibigyan niya ako ng kumpyansa that’s why nagiging madali ‘yung trabaho ko,” she added.
(Not) Yee of little faith
For a newcomer under Yee’s wing in Gonzaga, that silent coaching acumen has caught her by surprise at first even as a veteran of the sport.
READ: How Gonzaga balances Army duties while playing for ZUS Coffee
Having been on the receiving end of coaching sermons and tongue-lashings over the years, it was a breath of fresh air for Gonzaga to experience an unorthodox kind of mentorship that builds players’ mettles like no other coach does.
“Nanibago ako kasi nasanay ako sa mga past coaches ko na very vocal. This time kasi, ang laking bagay din nu’ng trust na binibigay ni coach sa’min,” she said.
“Siguro ‘pag nara-rattle na and all, du’n na siya nagse-step in talaga, pero [hinahayaan niya kami] once na alam na niya na kaya naman naming pag-usapan."
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