SEASONED STUDS WELCOME GLOBALPORT’S COACHING CHANGE

Two weeks prior to the start of the season, GlobalPort pulled out a shocker when it made a personnel change, releasing their head coach Junel Baculi for untested Ritchie Ticzon.

The move baffled more critics as the Batang Pier already had an interesting pool of rookies picked in the recently concluded Draft.

But for the veterans of the team, each move is a step in the right way, given owner Mikee Romero’s undying desire to win the title.

“We’re looking at a number of changes where we can improve on,” said Jay Washington. “We made a lot of player movements and we felt that there was a coaching change too. But you can’t worry about the things you can’t control. You just have to worry about the things you can have a say on.”

Eric Menk added, “We got a sense that a coaching change was happening, and as pros that we are, we had to learn quick.”

Menk, who will make his return to the PBA after a year off, said, “I’m very excited and I’m really looking forward to the season.”

“We have a lot of guys in the team that are rookies,” referring to the six neophytes on the Batang Pier roster. It’s tough for everybody, more if it’s the first time for them in the PBA. It’s very, very challenging. But being there before, I think I can help them.”

Washington, the 2011 Philippine Cup Best Player of the Conference said, “I feel like everybody that we got can help our team. They know what role to play and we got some great talent with the rookies that we have.”

“It’s gonna be a little different when the lights come on, but I’m sure that they’ve been in that position before in the collegiate leagues. But in the PBA, it’s different,” he said.

“We’re obviously on a transition period right now with the new coach,” said Washington. “(Management) felt it was the right move for the team, and so far, we’re going in the right direction.” (RLeongson)

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