By Reynald Magallon
PBA rookie coach Ronald Tubid doesn’t need to look too far to define the identity he wants for Terrafirma for the league 50th season.
The 43-year-old tactician said he only needed to look back to his playing years and recall all the lessons from his former coaches during his fruitful 16 seasons with the league.
But of course, he wants to have his own identity as a coach and that should come with what he has been known for during his heydays – his defense.
“This time siguro sistema ko, for how many coaches na dinaan ko coach Leo (Austria), nandyan si coach John (Cardel), coach Jong (Uichico) so lahat yung mga coaches na dinaan ko may nakukuha ako,” said Tubid, who interestingly will now be facing his former coaches in the PBA.
Austria is still coaching San Miguel while Uichico calls the shots for NLEX. Cardel, on the other hand, seemed to be one steering NorthPort should the league gives the green light to its sale to Pureblends.
“Tapos dagdagan pa namin ng sa sistema namin na before you shoot depensa muna so iyon ang focus namin,” he added.
During his playing years, Tubid was best known as a hard-nosed defender, a hustle and energy player. He became an All-Defensive team member in 2009 and PBA Mr. Energy in 2007.
His defensive abilities earned him spots to champion teams in Barangay Ginebra and San Miguel where he collected all of his nine championships.
Tubid was given the coaching reins for the Dyip after the team committed to stay in the league for its 50th season and following two botched plans to sell the franchise. He took over in lieu of interim coach Raymond Tiongco.
