In search of a leader

New coach means new players
means no more drama yes?
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

I can vividly remember a coaching search not too long ago, wherein the final two candidates being considered were Yeng Guiao and Chot Reyes. There were more to the story, but apparently Reyes won the selection committee's hearts by having a solid, scholastic presentation and development program versus what we'd imagine as Guiao's old school style of simply telling guys what he plans on doing-- MS Powerpoint not included.

As far as possible coaches are concerned, we have a lot to choose from. The only problem is, of the names that are currently leading the coaching search-- maybe two are familiar with FIBA rules and style of play: booted Gilas head coach Chot Reyes and the well-traveled Gilas consultant/ FIBA veteran coach Tab Baldwin.

The rest have some experience on that level such as favorites Tim Cone, Norman Black, Jong Uichico and Yeng Guiao, to name a few.

My concern here is, how much freedom and leeway will be awarded whoever lands the coaching job of the Pilipinas Men's Basketball Team?

More importantly, how much support will he enjoy from the country's biggest sports patrons?

Will he carry himself like a Chot Reyes? Unapologetic, brave and bold? Whose demeanor and style is not something that people would buy into out right unless they spend time with him? Whose harsh, honest words often create social media fire?

Or would you want a people person who can manage not only the players, but the media and his bosses as well?

Or how about a guru, who knows so much and has won on so many levels that even his sponsors would be too ashamed to question any of his decisions and or words?

Baldwin is solid, the credentials are there. A 4th place finish for New Zealand in the FIBA World Cup 2002 isn't something you just dismiss as a fluke (the NBA sent a team featuring Baron Davis, Jermaine O Neal and Elton Brand). However, he'll be a puppet for sure. He'll come under fire because he's a foreigner. He'll be questioned the minute he makes a mistake.

To be quite honest, the safest bet for Baldwin moving forward is to assume an active consultancy role. That, or his handlers will need to hire a solid PR firm to "massage" the locals.

Reyes is nice. He really is. He has the heart for it. He has the brains. But it was pretty obvious that he drew a line somewhere that made it hard for the other side (Team San Miguel) to willingly open their rosters and lend their players. He's the guy, Reyes, the rumors about Team MVP making sales pitches and what not to non-Team MVP guys on loan to Gilas-- there's truth to it. Got to be.

We're not saying Reyes is responsible for it, or that he was the guy making all the backdoor offers (if ever there were). We're just saying, he's the face of the Gilas program. So there's that.

Cone is the leading candidate, fresh from another Grand Slam romp. He has every one's respect. He has every one's ear. The championships are there. The country's greatest basketball mind should coach the national team.

But what about his mother team-- his PBA team?

He'll be distracted for sure. Will his team, much like his old Alaska team in the 90s, be okay with ceding a season's worth of championships if only to help the national cause?

Will they be okay, when they didn't have any problems holding out on Gilas just the last three years?

We need some one who is self made and not a puppet. We need some one who is thick skinned and can roll with the punches.

More importantly, we need every one to help out.