Alfrancis Chua is now in an official capacity with the Gilas Pilipinas Program.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines – It turns out that Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone’s wish actually comes true.
Just 24 hours before Gilas’ clash with New Zealand, which opens its second window of 2025 Fiba Asia Cup qualification, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) officially appointed Alfrancis Chua as the national team’s program director and team manager.
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Chua currently serves as the sports director of San Miguel Corporation as well as governor of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and vice chairman of the PBA.
READ: Gilas coach Tim Cone hopes Alfrancis Chua could join the program
“I am pleased to be able to assist Gilas in this role,” Chua said in a press release.
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“I thank Chief RSA (Ramon S. Ang) for giving me his blessing to take on this new role and look forward to working with Coach Tim and LA (Tenorio).”
Just a few days ago, Cone said he would love to have Chuas back on the sidelines after he gave the Gilas much-needed support in their gold medal win at the 2022 Asian Games.
“He is a special motivator, be it from a management perspective or as a supplement to coaching on the bench. He’s just a huge motivator. I feel comfortable around him because I know he always has my back,” Cone said during a press conference in Mandaluyong a few days ago.
READ: After Asian Games success, Alfrancis Chua says the future with Gilas is in the hands of SBP
“His influence at the Asian Games where we won gold – I’ve said this in the past – was far more responsible for winning the gold than anyone else, myself, including Justin (Brownlee),” he added.
Now Chua is expected to watch from the sidelines and play a more concrete role as the Philippines try to secure a ticket to the Fiba Asia Cup.
SBP President Al Panlilio was also elated after the announcement of Gilas’ newest member on the bench.
Panlilio also thanked San Miguel Corporation Chairman and CEO Ang for his blessing on Chua’s appointment.
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“I am very pleased that Alfrancis is back at Gilas. I work well with him and our only goal is to advance Philippine basketball,” Panlilio said. “The SBP also thanks the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of San Miguel Corporation (SMC), Ramon Ang, for supporting this decision to have Alfrancis support the program again.”