It has been years since Alex Compton served the Gilas Pilipinas program as an assistant to Tab Baldwin.
On Monday night, the veteran bench tactician was back with the national team once again. This time, he was watching Gilas’ preparations for the 30th Southeast Asian Games at the Meralco Gym.
“I’m just here since coach Tim (Cone) called and had a great conversation, and then he said… We just decided I’ll come down and watch practice,” Compton shared moments after the session.
Coach Tim Cone made it clear that the former Alaska Aces head coach is not officially part of his staff, though.
“Alex is here as a fresh eye. He’s not part of the official staff,” shared the multi-decorated bench tactician. “I asked him if he could join us, but he’s gonna do some traveling. He has a couple of events he has to go to over the next month and a half. But he said he’d come when he could.
“He’s not here on an official capacity — he’s wearing his Pilipinas shirt from five years ago, that’s why it’s so tight,” Cone added jokingly.
“He’s just helping us out, like Olsen [Racela].”
Still, Compton said it was fun to be back with Gilas, while he was in awe of the talent present.
“There’s some good talent on the floor. There’s some really good talent on the floor. I’m excited to watch the team. It’s cool just being here again,” said the 45-year-old strategist.
And of course, Compton is particularly proud of Alaska’s main man Vic Manuel, who has emerged as one of the top forwards in the league under his wing due to his offensive exploits.
“I’m so happy for him,” he expressed. “He’s just like a basket waiting to happen. He steps on the floor and you’re like, ‘If he touches it, that might go in.’ It might just graze his hands and it’s gonna go in.
“Karangalan ‘yan eh. It’s everybody’s desire growing up to play for the Philippine team. So at least para kay Vic, kahit anong mangyari, umabot siya sa practice,” he added.
“It’s up to the coach — he’s still gonna make the final twelve — but kahit hanggang ngayon talagang masaya ako para sa kanya. And as a player, it’s fun to play with really good players. It’s really fun. Just being out there, you get to put Pilipinas on your chest and you play against the best — that’s great.”
