WHEN Globalport owner Mikee Romero overhauled practically the entire Batang Pier coaching staff, he knew his decision would be met with raised eyebrows and unspoken questions.
“I knew I was taking a big risk, a big gamble with the changes I made, but I just had to follow my intuition,” explained Mikee, who took in the inexperienced crew of head coach Ritchie Ticzon, Erik Gonzales, Mac Cuan and Bonnie Tan while retaining Glenn Capacio.
“I took this giant step purely on instinct. Thank God it has worked wonders.”
Mikee recalls that after Batang Pier’s third loss, courtesy of Talk ‘N Text, he had a heart-to-heart talk with the coaching staff.
“I went to the locker room after that loss and we all sat down for a bull session, which lasted for three hours,” he said.
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After the long brainstorming session, Mikee said they all agreed to strictly enforce a system and get the players’ commitment to play defense.
“This went with a threat of benching if not followed. No one was exempted, not even the team’s best players,” Mikee pointed out.
“The week that followed, we made several changes in our system. The boldest move was changing our entire first five unit and activating Mark Yee.
“Apparently the major adjustments paid off. After the bold changes were implemented, we won three straight,” he said.
The unexpected bonus, according to the businessman/sportsman, who this year was included in Forbes’ list of 50 richest Filipinos, is that Batang Pier have become a team so exciting to watch, “and our fans are growing by the day!”
Currently No. 4 in the PLDT MyDSL Philippine Cup with four wins and three losses, Globalport trails Petron (7-0), Ginebra (4-1) and Rain or Shine (4-2).
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Mikee gives his new coaching staff, headed by Ticzon, majority of the credit for the Batang Pier’s newfound winning ways.
“They’re so hard-working, diligent, and they meticulously prepare for every game, leaving no stone unturned. They’re so efficient. I hope this winning trend continues,” he said.
“Mag-champion lang ako sa PBA, kumpleto na ang buhay ko (If I win a PBA championship, my life is complete),” he added.