Alfrancis Chua happy with first Ginebra win, but can’t afford to relax

Alfrancis Chua was finally able to breathe a sigh of relief.

“I lost 13 pounds since I [started coaching] this team. But it’s a good feeling. Ang sarap,” said the coach after Barangay Ginebra San Miguel won its first game under his watch Wednesday against Barako Bull.

The Gin Kings cruised to an easy 93-72 victory, but the long-haired coach did not untie his ponytail — a ritual for him in his previous coaching stops whenever his team was on the verge of winning.

Despite finally getting a win under his belt, Chua said the Gin Kings couldn’t afford to relax.

“We will be facing the champions of the past two seasons in our next three games — San Mig Coffee, Rain or Shine and Talk ‘N Text — so that will be tough,” said Chua.

“In reality, wala naman talagang mahinang team ngayon. Lahat malakas.”

Still, Chua was happy with his players’ performance, and he hopes it will be the start of good things for Ginebra.

“After we lost to Alaska, I told the players that I still trust them, so you have to trust yourselves,” said Chua.

“The past few games, we can’t make a basket, even open shots. So if we can’t make an open shot, siguro kumpiyansa lang ang kulang.

“I told them to believe in theirselves and magtiwala sa teammates nila. I didn’ttell them to win tonight, pero kailangan nilang maniwala lang sa isa’t isa.”

SOURCE: Interaksyon