Jong to Gilas 2?

Doon na lang tayo magkitakits!

With eight titles under his belt (six with San Miguel Beermen/ Petron Blaze Boosters and two with the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings), coach Jong Uichico appears to be headed to the other side of the local basketball powerhouse fence and set to join Manny V. Pangilinan's camp.

In truth, this doesn't come as a surprise really. The way Uichico has been "mishandled" this season by Management and being asked to take the "co-coaching" position alongside former deputy Siot Tangquincen. In the professional world of neckties, the ploy was meant to pay tribute to the old adage "two heads are better than one." In reality, it was a slap on the face for both men to show who's really in charge and that they're not bigger than the team.

We're not talking about rookie coaches here who are still earning their stripes in the league-- definitely not in the case of the multi-titled and former National team coach Jong Uichico.

So if rumors/ reports are correct that Uichico is bidding the San Miguel franchise adieu, this is arguably the biggest basketball gem for Team MVP and their (indirect) answer to Tim Cone being pirated from Alaska by B-Meg.

Of course, Cone is on a different level but there's no one else in the PBA coaching ranks that could at least rival  the American mentor's rings collection.

Question now is, where will Uichico go?

Ateneo's off the books, because it seems unlikely that they're open to a DLSU alum calling the shots when other, more stellar Ateneans are available once Norman Black "graduates."

Talk 'n' Text has Chot Reyes, Meralco with Ryan Gregorio so that leaves us with...

SMART Gilas 2.

Honestly, I don't see how Uichico fits in the mold. Recruitment wise, he's not a big name like Rajko Toroman (duh) or even our own Tim Cone and Norman Black. Xs and Os wise, it's been a while since we last saw of Uichico and the last time he coached a national team, he desperately tried to transform Danny Ildefonso to a three point shooter (ugh).

Let's see how this one unfolds.