MANILA, Philippines, October 28 ------ San Miguel did not need to look far for the newest member of its coaching staff. Chris Ross bared on he will serve as an assistant coach for the Beermen concurrent to his role as a player starting the 48th season of the PBA. Entering his 14th season in the league, Ross said he got appointed by San Miguel Corporation sports director Alfrancis Chua as a deputy to head coach Jorge Gallent. “I’m actually a playing assistant coach. I have the title of assistant coach but I’m still playing,” Ross said during the PBA Media Day at the One Esplanade in Pasay City. “I’m a player first, but I still have to join the coaches’ meetings and all that stuff.”
The appointment came after Gilas Pilipinas’ golden run in the 19th Asian Games, where Ross made an impact as a vocal leader, giving his teammates advice and providing them with encouragement when the going got tough. Chua, Gilas Pilipinas’ team manager, took notice. “He was like, ‘I know you still have years left in you to play, but I want to appoint you as an assistant coach as well.’ I’ve been five days on the job,” said Ross.
The oldest among all San Miguel players, the 38-year-old is gearing up for life after his stellar playing career, which saw him win nine titles with the Beermen, two Finals MVP plums, and two Defensive Player of the Year honors. Injuries have also been hard to avoid, with Ross recently straining his calf in practice. “I know the end is near. I’m 38 now, I told myself that I like to play ’til I’m 40. Maybe in the next two years, then I’ll jump over to the other side,” said Ross. “But right now, I’m a playing assistant coach. he added.
Source: rappler.com