January 04, 2025

Paul Artadi reveals PBA coach he initially hated totally but learned to love later on

Paul Artadi reveals PBA coach he initially hated totally but learned to love later on
Screenshot from PBA Motoclub Team Amazing

Paul Artadi played for over a decade in the PBA, which is a major seal of approval in Philippine basketball.   

Given his solid career, not everything was smooth sailing for “Kid Lightning.”

Artadi shared with his former Barangay Ginebra San Miguel teammate Jayjay Helterbrand about the one coach that he initially hated playing for.

Without any hesitation, the three-time PBA All-Star instantly said coach Ryan Gregorio.

Artadi was drafted by the Purefoods TJ Hotdogs in the second round of the 2004 PBA Draft, where he would play under Gregorio’s tutelage for several years.

The UE Red Warriors legend, however, admitted having clashes with Gregorio when it came to his playing time.

“Alam mo pare, umiikot pa ako dito sa likod para lang hindi ko makita 'yung pagmumukha ni Ryan Gregorio,” Artadi said on the PBA Motoclub vlog.

“Ayaw na ayaw ko siya kasi binabangko niya ako. 'Di niya ako binibigyan ng kumpiyansa. Nayayabangan yata siya sa akin,” he added.

But Artadi later admitted that he learned a valuable lesson from his spat with Gregorio.

“Ito ang lesson, huwag mong sunugin ang bridge. Don't burn bridges,” said Artadi.

Artadi revealed that after his trade to Ginebra, where they would capture the 2008 PBA Fiesta Conference title, he would still greet his former coach during games.

“Ginebra kalaban namin Purefoods. Sa-sub ako, nandoon si coach Ryan,” said Artadi while also showing the greeting gestures he made to Gregorio.

Come 2009, Artadi was traded back to Purefoods, where Gregorio was still coaching. In his second stint with the squad, he helped the team win the 2009–10 PBA Philippine Cup championship.

“Kinuha ulit ako ni Ryan Gregorio. Love ko na siya nun,” said Artadi. “Namahal ko na siya noon kasi binigyan niya ako kumpiyansa, first five ako, ganda na ng shooting ko.”

Here’s an important lesson for all the hoopers out there, which is not just applicable in the court but also in life: Don’t burn bridges.

(GM)

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