Shaq Delos Santos’ appointment as the new Philippine Women’s National Volleyball Team head coach came as a surprise. The Petron head coach stepped in for Ramil De Jesus, who declined to continue coaching the National Team due to his growing list of commitments.
Though Delos Santos is an accomplished mentor, with championships in the UAAP and PSL, he has still had to deal with detractors questioning his sudden appointment.
But Delos Santos is already used to scrutiny, which he uses to fuel his desire.
“Sa akin kasi, ‘di mo naman kailangan i-compare ang isang bagay sa ibang bagay. Dalawa lang naman ang mangyayare diyan; merong papabor at merong hindi,” said the former FEU Lady Tamaraws coach. “Based sa experience ko, bakit mo kailangang hanapin ‘yung wala, eh meron namang nandiyan?
“Para sa akin, never ka makakamove-on doon sa bagay na gusto mong gawin kasi laging ka nakatingin doon sa bagay na wala ka at di mo hinaharap ‘yung situwasyon mo ngayon.
“Noong tinanggap ko itong trabaho na ‘to, kasama na ‘yan sa magiging buhay ko. Noong collegiate pa naman may ganyan na. Package na ‘yan. Tanggap ko na, walang problema. Hindi ko naman kailangan ma-down kung may issue man na lalabas. Kailangan ko lang siguro siyang gawing inspirasyon,” he furthered.
Delos Santos also took the time to clear the air regarding De Jesus’ resignation.
“Na-clear namin before kami pumasok. Isa ‘yun sa mga una naming tinanong; kung kamusta status ni coach Ramil,” Delos Santos diclosed. “Alam ng lahat na siya ‘yung coach. Ang alam ko, nagpaalam ata siya na hindi muna magtutuloy. Para sa amin, talagang importante na klaro ‘yung sitwasyon na ‘yun kasi hindi pwedeng basta na lang akong papasok. Ayaw namin makasagasa nang ibang tao.”
Delos Santos revealed that he and his staff — which includes Kungfu Reyes and Brian Esquibel — are signed to coach until December 31, 2018. While he ultimately wants to coach long-term, Delos Santos understands that he has to perform first and show his wares.
“Ang sa amin naman, ‘di naman ako ma-demand na tao. Kung ano ang tingin nilang para sa amin, go ako. Kailangan ko muna magtrabaho bago ako mag-demand.”
LVPI acting president Peter Cayco said that there is no pressure for Delos Santos to win in the upcoming Asian Games.
“We want to take that opportunity as exposure for our players. Walang pressure for Shaq or the players to win a lot of games,” expressed Cayco.
It’s imperative for Delos Santos to build a pool and submit a lineup by June 10, the deadline for all Asian Games lineups.
