BACK IN FAMILIAR TERRITORY
For coach Jong Uichico, it’s like being back to his old stomping grounds.
“I’ve been out for so long. It’s always a good feeling to be back in the Finals,” he said.
It’s quite ironic that four years removed from his last Finals appearance, here Uichico stands steering the team that beat his squad from way back.
Ginebra lost to Talk ‘N Text in the 2011 Commissioner’s Cup, 4-2, and this time, he has the chance to just be the sixth coach to win titles with three different teams.
Uichico has won six with San Miguel Beer and two with Ginebra, and he has the chance to improve his hardware haul to nine in his 14th Finals appearance.
But true to form, the soft-spoken mentor wants no let ups.
“It has been a tough series for us (against Purefoods) but we’re not on relax mode. Now, I have to prepare two days for Rain or Shine.”
He sure needs to, because the last time he crossed paths with Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao, the fiery coach’s Red Bull beat his Beermen, 4-2, in the 2001 Commissioner’s Cup.
And he knows that preparing for the titular showdown all starts with his baton.
“I don’t really focus on Rain or Shine. We just have to go back to work and see what we can do against them,” Uichico said. (RL)
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