Jaworski returning to Ginebra?

MANILA – Philippine basketball legend Robert “Sonny” Jaworski hinted he is open to returning to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, a team he coached for 13 years.

In an interview with Spin.ph’s Snow Badua, the “Big J” said his itch for basketball remains even after leaving the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) to join politics in 1998.

“Yung competitive spirit natin is always there and maybe has multiplied. But all of us grow in different ways, you know,” said Jaworski, who is among the PBA’s 25 Greatest Players of All Time.

Jaworski’s name has been associated with the Ginebra franchise, where he espoused the “never say die” spirit to his players. He was able to steer Ginebra to four title finishes despite the lack of basketball superstars at his disposal.

Jaworski also cheered for Barangay Ginebra, when the team was battling San Mig Coffee in the semifinals of the recent PBA Philippine Cup. His pep talk during half time of Game 6 inspired the Gin Kings to beat the Mixers in that match.

The former playing-coach, however, said he’ll only return to the team that he loves dearly if he gets a clear picture of his role in Ginebra.

“Syempre 'pag minsan may nakikita ka na pwedeng matulungan o magampanan, you’re itching. Pero ang mahirap yung basta papasok ka dyan at hindi naman malinaw ang usapan,” he said.

“Full control is always relevant. What are you in control of? Ganun! Ang importante dyan, nagkakaintindihan kayo. Kailangan malinaw, what are you supposed to do?”

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Gilas needs improved defense, says Jaworski

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine basketball icon Robert Jaworski believes Gilas Pilipinas will have to adjust its defensive strategies as the competition gets tougher in the FIBA Asia Championship.

The “Big J” said it is good to see the national team recover from its heartbreaking loss to Chinese Taipei in the first round.

However, the former Ginebra coach said he felt the nationals are holding themselves back while battling Japan.

“Let’s face it, Japan didn’t play. They [Gilas] got to push themselves a little more and prepare for the bigger games,” said Jaworski in Reuben Terrado’s Spin.ph report.

The Filipino squad defeated Japan, 90-71, but Jaworski believes there is still room for improvement, especially in the defensive department.

He said defense should be Gilas’ weapon should it face taller teams like Iran, China, and Korea.

“We have to improve on our defense. They should mark those guys who can shoot from way out and stick to them like crazy. That’s the only way,” Jaworski said.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Jaworski: Baby Dalupan is greatest coach of all time

This feature is part of 7 Days of Jaworski, InterAKTV’s special tribute to the Living Legend, whose jersey will be retired on Sunday, July 8.

Despite the advances in the game of basketball, Robert Jaworski still believes that the game is more art than science.

“Iba na ang basketball ngayon. It entails a lot of hard work, may scouting and scientific na ang approach, pero hindi pa rin ako nananiwala sa science pagdating sa basketball,” said Jaworski.

Jaworski cited as an example the legendary Virgilio “Baby” Dalupan, who coached him at University of the East. Jaworski said he considers Dalupan, his mentor, the greatest PBA coach of all time. “People say that Dalupan was lucky to have star-studded teams in Crispa and Great Taste, but the truth is, it’s harder for a coach to handle 12 spoiled brats on his team and Dalupan was able to do that well.”

The coach was known for shuffling his lineups from game to game and giving all players a chance to shine. Even though Jaworski ended up battling Dalupan as part of Toyota in the PBA, he installed a similar style to that of his mentor when he became playing coach of Ginebra.

Dalupan, who still holds the PBA record for most championships, was feted on Tuesday night at UE, and Jaworski was among those on hand to pay tribute.

For Jaworski, lessons he learned from Dalupan’s mentorship played a big part in his coaching philosophy.

“Hindi naman yan nadadaan sa pagandahan ng sapatos o papormahan. Ganoon din sa coaching. Kung ang mga players mo naniniwala sa iyo, malayo ang maabot ng koponan niyo. Mas malaki ang tsansa ng team na naglalaro ng sama-sama,” said Jaworski.

source: interaksyon.com