The player-turned-coach seems to be enjoying his new role.
Reynel Hugnatan is finally getting the hang of his new role as assistant coach of the Meralco Bolts.
In Meralco’s first game in the PBA on Tour, Hugnatan still felt the jolt to hop back on court in some stretches and be of help. It took a while before the 44-year-old realized he’s in the lineup now in a different capacity.
But the PBA old-timer has overcome that now. The player-turned-coach can now easily reject that itch to be in the thick of action.
“Naintindihan ko na ‘yung role ko. Nami-miss ko ‘yung game, pero at least nandito pa rin ako,” he said after the Bolts’ 100-93 loss to Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters on Sunday.
Hanging up his shoes was a tough decision for Hugnatan, who was drafted in the PBA in 2003 and retired this year. He started playing professional basketball in 1998 with the MBA team Negros Slashers.
“Siyempre parang nalungkot ako pero happy pa rin kasi andito pa rin ako sa basketball. Nalungkot lang siympre kasi nasanay ako maglaro everyday, ‘yun routine ko e,” he said.
The decision to become coach, though, was an easy one.
The Bacolod native shared team manager Paolo Trillo offered him the job when his contract with the Bolts as a player was expiring a few weeks ago.
He didn’t really think about it that much. He just grabbed the opportunity right in that moment. After all, this meant he won’t be away from the game he loves.
“Kunwari lang ‘yun na pag-iisipan ko ['yung offer]. Pero ang totoo ano lang ‘yun, ginrab ko lang talaga kaagad,” he said, drawing laughter.
He said he’s eternally grateful to Meralco for the opportunity to stay with the team, albeit in a different role.
“Sobrang thankful ako sa management, kay coach Nenad [Vucenic], kay coach Luigi [Trillo] na sinama nila ako sa coaching staff nila,” he said.
“Nung in-offeran ako ni Boss Pao, sabi niya ‘gusto mo mag coaching staff?’ Ayun, ginrab ko lang. Kasi parang ako, ‘yun na rin next step ko.”
(GM)