Uichico knocking at the door again

JONG Uichico is back in familiar territory.

“I’ve been out (of the Finals) for so long,” Uichico told reporters as he took personal satisfaction in steering Talk ‘N Text to the PBA Commissioner’s Cup title series opposite Rain or Shine starting this Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

“It’s always a good feeling being in the Finals,” he continued. “It’s tiring (getting here), but it keeps you going. We’re trying to reach a goal and hopefully, we do well in the series.”

Uichico has been a perennial contender throughout his career, which started in 1999, when coach Ron Jacobs took a gamble on him and endorsed him as his replacement at San Miguel Beer.

Proving Jacobs choice was right, Uichico steered the Beermen to titles in the Commissioner’s Cup and Governors’ Cup that year—the first two of eight that he would win for the San Miguel conglomerate.

Many foresaw more titles coming, until the unexpected happened.

Uichico didn’t like how he was treated at Ginebra San Miguel that he severed ties with San Miguel Corp. and hopped on to join Meralco and the Gilas Pilipinas program in 2012 as assistant to Ryan Gregorio and Chot Reyes, respectively.

But with a coaching rigodon taking place in the PLDT-owned teams at the end of last season after some very disappointing performances, Uichico found himself in the mix again, succeeding Norman Black, who was transferred to Meralco.

Uichico’s work ethic is legendary.

People who have worked with him marvel at the dedication the former La Salle Green Archer puts in the job. He starts the game-tape review as early as 9 a.m. and winds up way after sunset as they try to map out game plans.

“We haven’t really thought of Rain or Shine,” Uichico said when asked how he sees the coming title series, downplaying the fact that he showed uncommon focus in bundling out a feisty Purefoods squad in the semifinal series.

One thing that Uichico is very familiar with is hard work, and against the very talented Rain or Shine squad, coached by an equally determined Yeng Guiao, the Texters will be in for a tough fight.