'Spark' to do a Jawo? Hear Caguioa's thoughts on playing dual role for Ginebra

“I can see it (him becoming a coach) already. The way he talks to us, the group, even in practice. He really knows what he is talking about," says rookie Chris Ellis of Ginebra teammate Mark Caguioa. Jerome Ascano

BARANGAY Ginebra superstar Mark Caguioa bared he is not yet ready to coach a team, more so become a playing-coach, in light of the resignation of Alfrancis Chua that caught the entire franchise off-guard on Monday.

With the Kings in search for their next coach and the season-ending PBA Governors Cup fast approaching, there has been a growing clamor among fans for Caguioa to take on the dual role of player and coach, just like Robert Jaworski during the glory days of the franchise.

Fast-rising Ginebra rookie Chris Ellis himself admitted to Spin.ph in  a previous interview that the 2001 Rookie of the Year appears to have the makings of a good coach.

“I can see it (him becoming a coach) already. The way he talks to us, the group, even in practice. He really knows what he is talking about," said the high-flying forward and reigning league slam-dunk champion.        

“He’d usually tell where to switch and what are the weaknesses in defense of the other team because he can see it. And it was effective,” added Ellis.

But when asked by Spin.ph about it, Caguioa said he can see himself taking on a coaching role one day, “but not after coach Al.”

His thoughts right now are on Chua returning to the team, he added.

“I’m not thinking about that (playing-coach role). I am still thinking about coach Al. Siya ang nag-build ng team na ito. Kaya we expect na ituloy niya ang nasimulan niya,” added the player from Mandaluyong.

Caguioa said he has not given up that Chua would reconsider his decision.

“The feel of the gym is different without coach Al, so I am hoping that before our campaign starts on August 14, he’ll suddenly come in and say he’s back,” said Caguioa.

“Katulad ngayon, medyo tahimik lahat sa practice. Iba ang pakiramdam. Something is missing. Kung mawawala talaga si coach Al, it’s gonna be like that for a while.

“(His resignation) is everything, heartbreaking, and sad. Parang sabi nga namin ng teammates ko, isang conference lang ba natin kasama si coach Al? Parang hindi namin napansin ang oras."

The popular cager and former MVP added the morale of the team was deflated the moment Chua left the team’s training facility Monday shortly after he announced his surprise resignation.

“Nabubuo na `yung team eh. So if he comes back - the morale of the team will be up. We need him badly.”

“Ayaw niya ng may changes eh. Yun ang ayaw niya. Hindi niya kontrolado `yung ganun. Ayaw niyang mangyari `yung laging nagpapalit,” Caguioa said.

For the podcast of the Spin.ph interview with Caguioa, click here.