Gilas candidates down to two; new coach to be named

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Sonny Barrios stressed on Wednesday night anybody who will be appointed to take over the coaching reins left by Chot Reyes should focus mainly and solely on the national team.
After the search and screening committee, led by SBP chairman Ricky Vargas, conducted its second meeting, Barrios bared they have trimmed down their choice from six to just two, who they believe met their criteria and will already be interviewed next week.
Among those who are in the running for the Gilas job are Purefoods Star’s Tim Cone, Jong Uichico of Talk ‘N Text, Meralco’s Norman Black, Yeng Guiao of Rain or Shine, former Bolts mentor Ryan Gregorio and current TNT consultant Tab Baldwin.
Barrios refused to divulge the name of the two coaches, but was adamant on one thing. “Any fulltime head coach of PBA team or any other team will have to divest yourself of that head coaching job if you’re appointed as Gilas Pilipinas head coach,” he said.
Barrios also bared the criteria set by the search and screening committee.
“We have categorized the criteria into two categories–must and preferable. ‘Yung must, number one is must have international experience and exposure. There was also a refinement to that main criteria. The more extensive, the better. The more recent, the better,” he said.
“The second is he must possess leadership with maturity. The refinement is able to motivate players even during adverse stressful conditions. At the same time, he should also handle the ego of veteran players. These are professional players,” he added.
Familiarization with the existing Gilas program should also be taken for consideration, according to Barrios, saying: “The search and select committee recognized the Gilas program that has been in place. It is obviously a new coach simply because the current coach has begged off.”
“He should be able to actively interact with his different publics, meaning to say, have positive relations with the media, the basketball community both local and international, the basketball fans and the general public even though they are not basketball fans,” stressed Barrios, adding they intend to make the final recommendation during the SBP board meeting late next month where the decision makers, among them telecommunications mogul and chief Gilas Pilipinas patron Manny V. Pangilinan, will make the final choice.
“The committee is to wrap up its work before the SBP Board meeting before the Christmas holidays,” Barrios said