Chua remains Gilas’ No. 1 cheerleader

MANILA, Philippines — San Miguel Corp. sports director and Barangay Ginebra PBA governor Alfrancis Chua said yesterday family commitments and a personal project for a new business will leave him little time to reprise his role as Gilas team manager but gave the assurance of remaining the national squad’s No. 1 cheerleader.

Chua was Gilas’ team manager when the Philippines defied the odds to recapture the gold medal in men’s basketball at the Asian Games in Hangzhou last October after a 61-year wait. His hands-on style, attention to detail, personal care, fighting spirit and basketball wisdom were critical elements that contributed to Gilas’ victory.

“I’ve been asked by our friends from media if I’ll continue to be involved with Gilas as team manager,” said Chua. “Unfortunately, my family commitments and a personal project for a new business leave me little time to give my usual 110 percent to Gilas. In Hangzhou, I was privileged to work hand-in-hand with our team and as everyone knows, when I take on a challenge, I give it my all.”

Chua’s efforts behind the scenes in Hangzhou went unpublicized and that’s how he wanted it. But insiders attested to the extra mile he took in attending to every player’s and coach’s needs. “I attended practice, brought food packs and water for our players and did everything to support our team both on and off the floor,” he said. “While I won’t be able to join Gilas as team manager, I will continue to support our team in any way possible and be in the stands as Gilas’ No. 1 cheerleader.”

It was Chua who hailed the partnership of PLDT/Smart CEO Manny V. Pangilinan and San Miguel Corp. CEO Ramon S. Ang as a fusion of Michael Jordan and LeBron James. The collaboration led to the country’s successful staging of the 2023 FIBA World Cup and the return to the top of Asian basketball.   

Since taking over as San Miguel Corp. sports director, Chua has guided San Miguel Beer, Barangay Ginebra and Magnolia to six semifinals all together and 25 finals individually in 27 conferences. Whether San Miguel Beer or Magnolia wins in the ongoing Commissioner’s Cup Finals, it will be Chua’s 22nd championship with SMC. “It’s not about me,” he said. “It’s