Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

2019 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers

Caloy Garcia thankful for Gilas opportunity


Just two years ago, Caloy Garcia and Yeng Guiao went their separate ways, with the former staying with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters while the latter went to the NLEX Road Warriors.

But by some twist of fate, the two found themselves working together again. And it was for a greater cause.

But the start of this new journey for Garcia was as rocky as it gets.

“Well, basically, at first medyo magulo yung umpisa ā€“ we didn’t know if we were in or out,” the youthful mentor recalled.

“But when we got in sa Asian Games, actually masaya e. “

Three weeks before the 2018 Asian Games, the Philippines ā€“Ā which was supposed to be coached by Guiao and reinforced by Rain or Shine ā€“Ā pulled out of the Men’s Basketball competition.

But after much clamor from Filipino fans, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas decided to put up a team once more. And the cherry on the top for everyone was the addition of Jordan Clarkson.

Garcia, who was named as the team’s lead assistant coach, made sure not to waste this opportunity that might come once in a lifetime.

2018-asian-games-basketball-gilas-pilipinas Caloy Garcia thankful for Gilas opportunity 2019 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers Basketball Gilas Pilipinas News  - philippine sports news

Photo from Asian Games

“Going back to being under coach Yeng, his system, especially most of the players dun sa unang batch namin were together also, so parang naging homecoming namin yun,” beamed Garcia, who has been coaching since 2004.

“We also played with Jordan Clarkson, which is bihira mangyari sa career ko na to coach somebody who is in the NBA and is at the peak of his career.”

After they came back from Jakarta, a new task was laid down in front of them. They needed to prep another batch of Gilas players, this time for the fourth window of the 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

#ReadMore  Muyang's workout proved to be difference vs Pasaol, admits Robinson

This entailed a huge sacrifice for Garcia, as he would have missed another two weeks of practice with the Elasto Painters. The “once in a lifetime” opportunity happened again.

That is why he sought advice from his mentor, Guiao.

“Sabi nga ni coach Yeng, we’re doing this because we love it, we’re doing it because we want to make it to the next round,” disclosed Garcia, as the Philippines finished in fifth place in the Asiad and went 1-1 during the last window.

That’s what happened, we sacrificed, and at least it came out positive.”

This rollercoaster ride for Garcia is not yet over, however. After experiencing the lowest of lows and the highest of highs in just a span of two months, it looks like his job as Gilas assistant coach will continue on until 2019. And Garcia is incredibly grateful for this blessing, even if entails plenty of responsibilities.

“I’m hoping na sana magtuloy-tuloy pa ito.”

Written By


You May Also Like

Basketball

Collegiate champions La Salle-Ecooil and Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda continued to dominate the competition in the 2024 PBA D-League Aspirantsā€™ Cup at the Ynares Sports...

Basketball

Now that he is finally a champion, Topex Robinson paid tribute to the people who continue to cover his blindspots after De La Salle...

Basketball

Rain or Shine is aiming for a triumphant beginning in its demanding Jones Cup schedule as it goes up against the host team, Chinese...

Basketball

Making the game much faster. That is the goal of new rules set to be tested during the upcoming PBA on Tour games beginning...

Basketball

PASSI CITY – Team Greats outgunned Team Stalwarts in a fiery shootout, 158-138, to conquer the Rookie-Sophomores-Juniors Game of the 2023 PBA All-Star Weekend,...

Basketball

Topex Robinson has shored up his coaching staff at De La Salle University. Caloy Garcia has accepted Robinson’s offer to be his lead assistant...

Basketball

Gian Mamuyac will be out for a while. The Rain or Shine rookie has undergone the PBA’s health and safety protocols after coming into...

Basketball

Rain or Shine has once again secured its future. The Elasto Painters have signed its 2022 PBA Draft picks Gian Mamuyac, Shaun Ildefonso, and...

Advertisement