San Miguel Corp. sports director Alfrancis Chua is expected to take an active role at the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and the Gilas Pilipinas program after being appointed to become the federation’s executive advisor.
PBA commissioner Willie Marcial confirmed the appointment on Wednesday, Aug. 3, noting that Chua will play a role similar to a consultant to the national team.
“Malaking tulong kasi malaki yung role niya sa SBP, yung iba kakausapin niya ang players kung ano magagawa kung anong mga plano. Gusto nga niya yung practice every Monday na eh pero pag uusapan pa,” Marcial said of Chua who was unanimously appointed by the SBP Board during its meeting with the country's major basketball stakeholders last Monday, Aug. 21.
Chua is also expected to work hand in hand with Gilas program director and head coach Chot Reyes to ensure the formation of the best possible national team for the 2023 World Cup.
For Reyes' part, Chua will be a huge help for Gilas which has been in hot water in the past few months after its lackluster performances in the third window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers and the FIBA Asia Cup 2022.
“We need all the help we can get. I completely welcome it we’re all inclusive talagang lahat ng support lahat ng tulong na makukuha natin. I’m very happy, several conversations on the phone already with Governor Alfrancis, he’s been a very big help,” said Reyes.
It will be the first time that a member of the SMC camp is given an active role in SBP which has been long ruled by its corporate rival in MVP group.