His numbers may have been underwhelming, but Jeff Chan’s debut with the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on Wednesday night did not go unnoticed, especially by the Gin Kings’ multi-decorated head coach Tim Cone.
Chan only produced four points, three rebounds, two assists, and a steal, but Cone sung high praises for the 10-year league veteran for the impact he brought – especially defensively – in their 134-107 win over the Columbian Dyip.
“His presence kind of allows us to play some small ball and so I thought he made a big impact early and kinda settled us down and got us back into the game, not by you know, his three-point shooting,” said Cone.
“But just being a smart veteran, making smart passes and playing under control. That just kept everybody under control. I really like that about him,” added the tactician, who admitted that he had been eyeing Chan for a while.
Chan then confirmed that he had primed himself to play defense.
“Kanina mas nag-focus ako sa defense. Kasi, like, yung second group namin, medyo dikit pa yung score, noong pumasok yung second group medyo lumamang nang konti so I think ‘di naman known ang Ginebra sa offense.
“More on defense sila, so yung iba iniisip pag pasok ko ‘ay shooter, scorer,’ pero hindi. Matagal na bini-build up ni coach yung defense, so I think nagawa ko naman yung part ko kanina,” explained the 34-year-old swingman, who had been traded by the Phoenix Fuel Masters for Ginebra’s 2018 first round pick.
His debut was made sweeter by the warm reception he received from the ka-Barangays – there was even a banner with a “WELCOME JEFF CHAN” message printed on it being raised by one of Ginebra’s fans in the stands.
“Siyempre masaya kasi welcome ako sa kanila sa Barangay, so ‘yun,” said the product of the FEU Tamaraws program, who is now playing for his fourth team in his career. “Excited na ulit ako sa next game. Sana nandun sila ulit.”
With his first game as a Gin King now in the books, Chan is now looking to get himself accustomed to the Barangay’s system, or simply Cone’s dreaded triangle offense, which has led to 20 championships for the coach.
“I think kailangan ko pang matutunan and mapag-aralan yung system ni coach kasi one day palang ako nakapag-practice, so nangangapa pa ako doon.”
