ALFRANCIS Chua is set to keep his mission of turning everything he touches into gold for Gilas Pilipinas.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas officially named Chua as program director and team manager for the Gilas Youth and Men’s teams last Wednesday night.
“I am very happy that Alfrancis is back with Gilas. I work well with him and our only objective is to elevate Philippine basketball,” SBP President Al Panlilio said. “The SBP also extends our appreciation to San Miguel Corporation (SMC) chairman and chief executive officer Ramon Ang for supporting this decision to have Alfrancis help the program again.”
Chua takes on this role in addition to his work as SMC sports director, Ginebra governor, and PBA vice Chairman.
“I’m happy I’ll be able to help Gilas in this capacity,” Chua said. “I thank boss RSA for giving me his blessing in taking this new role. I look forward to working with coach Tim and LA (Tenorio).”
Chua promptly got his feet wet as the Filipino cagers clashed with New Zealand at press time last night in the second window of the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
Since taking on the lead at SMC’s basketball operations in 2015, Chua has helped Ginebra, San Miguel Beer, and Magnolia win 15 titles combined in the pro league. He bagged the PBA Executive of the Year awards in 2018, 2021, and 2024.
A former University of Santo Tomas Glowing Goldie and coach of the defunct Sta. Lucia franchise and the Kings, Chua served as team manager of the Philippine five that ruled last year’s Asian Games in Hangzhou, ending a long and agonizing 61-year dry spell.
National tactician Cone is excited to have Chua back on the team.
“It was great having him on the bench motivating the players. He is such a great motivator,” Cone said. “That’s one of the things that we want, to enhance the program with his presence.
“He has always been there for me to consult with and talk with and, of course, we had that great run in the Asian Games which was fantastic.”
Gilas collides with Hong Kong on Sunday, Nov. 24, at the same venue.
The SBP, Cone, and Chua have proven they can jive—the Asiad gold as foolproof—and no achievement will be more legendary if and when the Philippines can return to the Olympics in 2028.
