By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Another executive overhaul took place for the Gilas Pilipinas men’s national basketball team after the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) appointed PBA sports patron Alfrancis Chua as their new program director and team manager.
The SBP made it official on November 20, 2024, after another public announcement following LA Tenorio’s formal induction as the new chief tactician of the Gilas Youth hoops program.
A long-time executive who already navigated all the highs and lows in the country’s premier professional basketball league, Chua will embark on a new chapter as he seeks to lead Gilas to a reformed atmosphere for the upcoming international games.
Chua is already familiar with the Gilas landscape after serving as the national squad’s team manager when they won the Asian Games last year.
“I am very happy that Alfrancis is back with Gilas. I work well with him and our only objective is to elevate Philippine basketball,” said SBP President Al Panlilio.
Known as one of the best motivators you can have on your bench, Chua boasts a resume that only a few in the PHL basketball scene can match.
Chua was a three-time PBA Executive of the Year and is the current sports director of the San Miguel Corporation (SMC) group of companies (Ginebra, San Miguel, Magnolia).
As the sports director of the SMC chain of PBA franchises, Chua has helped the three teams reach more than 10 PBA titles combined since being deployed as an executive by Ramon S. Ang.
There is also a special connection as Tenorio, the new Gilas Boys head coach, plays for the Gin Kings, one of the franchises that he manages in the PBA.
Also, The Gilas seniors’ mentor, Coach Tim Cone, is the head coach of Ginebra. The trio has come full circle and is already excited about what’s in store for the future of PHL basketball.
“I’m happy I’ll be able to help Gilas in this capacity. I thank boss RSA for giving me his blessing in taking this new role and I look forward to working with coach Tim and LA,” said Chua.
