It is amazing how Coach Yeng Giao has turned NLEX around after being given about a year. And I guess some people look forward to the challenge of building a contender from a bottom feeder in the rankings.
Now, it looks like Kia Picanto - what used to be the Mahindra Floodbusters, has inherited the rank of PBA Teams bottom feeder. So, what exactly will it take to turn Kia into a contending team? And is Kia even in the PBA to compete, or is it merely there to serve as advertising for its product? Of course, no product wants to be associated with a losing team.
Maybe they should start with the head coach. Their head coach doesn't exactly have any PBA experience either as a player or as an assistant coach. Why not get Coach Erik Altamirano or Coach Alex Compton (who probably also needs a change of teams since Alaska is no longer winning under his leadership)? Even Coach Perry Ronquillo or Coach Ryan Gregorio would probably be better than the current coach of Kia. Does he have the job because no one else will take it? Who knows, Coach Yeng Giao might just take on the challenge of turning Kia around after NLEX wins a championship. And don't say Manny is the coach. We all love Manny. He's a national hero and treasure. But leave the coaching duties to someone who has been in the PBA, again either as a player or tactician.
After getting a better coach, the next step would be to land one or two star players. There isn't any player in the current Kia roster that stands out. But there are up and coming young players in the Gilas pool who haven't even signed with any team. Out of Ravena, Paras, and Parks, Ravena is probably the best player to build a team around on, if he wants the job that is.
Next step would be to try to get some of the good second stringers in the PBA. Why not make a play for a Tautua, Espinas, Agovida, Ganuellas-Rosser, Pringle (cause he's probably tired of Romeo's shadow), Abueva (cause he's probably tired of the many times Alaska has lost), Grey, Mariano, Melton, Chan, Almazan etc. Baguio could also be out of a job soon since Wright will inherit that shooter role in Phoenix. Yeo might still be decent. And Barocca might want out now that Jalalon is being groomed for the point guard spot.
And scout the D-League for up and coming talent.
Or Kia could just wait until Kai Sotto is eligible to play in the PBA. And then build a team around him.
It sucks to be at the bottom. But if there's anything we can learn from NLEX, any team can rise from that lowest rung and become a contender. The players just have to get tired of becoming the punching bag of the PBA.
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