Expect nothing less than the best from the coaching wits that steered the Letran Knights to three straight championships when coach Bonnie Tan takes a more active role at the NorthPort bench.
Although Tan clarified that there is no formal appointment just yet and he is set to serve as an interim coach for now, the champion mentor said he’s up for the challenge of the PBA as he hopes to help the Batang Pier reach new heights in the upcoming PBA Governors’ Cup.
“If ever mapunta sa PBA sino bang ayaw manalo diba. So di pa napupuntahan ng NorthPort yung championship sa franchise namin, semis lang pinakamataas pero again wala pa namang (formal appointment) as a team manager yun pa naman din yung winiwish ko parati,” said the amiable coach.
NorthPort's best performance came in the 2019 Governors' Cup where it reached the semifinals.
Still, Tan should know a thing or two about winning especially after being undefeated in the three Finals series at the NCAA as the Knights completed a three-peat capped by a historic two titles in just a year span in Seasons 97 and 98.
Being with NorthPort since 2013 where he played a role of an assistant and team manager should also bode well for Tan’s adjustments to the new job. After all, he’s not entirely a stranger in handling the team as he already did so when he played stand-in to coach Pido Jarencio who contracted Covid-19 during the 2021 Philippine Cup.
He steered the Batang Pier to three straight wins during that span before Jarencio’s return.
Tan, though, was quick to temper expectations, knowing full well that the professional league is an entirely different field from the collegiate ranks.
“Only god knows kung ano pwede nating puntahan sa sports na ito. S’yempre yung winning tradition di ko pa maasure kasi ibang iba naman yung college basketball at yung PBA,” said Tan who is juggling his time facilitating the Batang Pier practices while still handling the coaching reins at the Knights.