NLEX gifted new coach Jong Uichico with an opening game victory against Blackwater in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup on Thursday, Aug. 22.
Even seasoned mentors like Jong Uichico feels jittery.
The nine-time champion coach admitted to feeling the pressure as he officially called the shots for NLEX in its first outing against Blackwater in the PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup on Thursday, Aug. 22.
[WATCH: PBA Game Highlights: NLEX welcomes new coach Jong Uichico with opening game triumph vs Blackwater]
Uichico last served as head coach of the TNT Tropang Giga in 2016.
“Siyempre, first game, medyo nape-pressure ka kung tama ba ang ginawa mo noong offseason,” said Uichico, who served as Gilas and Road Warriors deputy between 2016 and now.
“Kasi iba 'yung assistant ka sa Gilas, iba 'yung assistant ka sa NLEX. Iba 'yun, eh. Pero 'pag nandoon ka na, ibang usapan na 'yun. Ikaw na nagtitimon, ikaw na lahat.”
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Fortunately for Uichico, NLEX hacked out a convincing 104-87 win over the Bossing, and he could finally heave a sigh of relief.
“Medyo nakahinga,” Uichico said with a smile.
“Makakatulog ako mamayang gabi maski isang beses lang bago ang [sunod na] laro.”
The Road Warriors next take on Phoenix on Sunday, Aug. 25, at 5 p.m.
NLEX star Robert Bolick is putting his complete trust on Uichico, especially with the coach's stellar resume.
“Nag-usap kami ni coach. Siyempre, champion na 'to si coach. Marami nang players na dumaan [sa kanyang] mas magaling pa sa'kin, so alam niya paano ang mga style,” Bolick said.
Uichico and Bolick hope the Road Warriors could build on this victory as they eye better results this import-spiced conference with Myke Henry.