Johnedel Cardel of GlobalPort gives instructions to his players during a game against Phoenix. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
GlobalPort spurred speculation of a coaching change when its assistant manager Johnedel Cardel called the shots in the Batang Pier’s game against Phoenix on Friday.
Cardel, though, implied nothing is permanent as the decision to temporarily put him in the lead was because head coach Pido Jarencio is suffering from gout and deputy Eric Gonzales has his hands full with the PBA D-League Finals.
READ: Romeo, Taggart lead GlobalPort over Phoenix
“Balasa lang,” Cardel told reporters after steering GlobalPort to a 125-118 victory that ended the team’s seven-game losing skid and allowed the Batang Pier to exit the conference on a positive note with a 3-8 record.
“Hindi ko inexpect na ako ang hahawak. Binigay muna sa akin ni sir Erick and boss Mikee,” he said, referring to team owner Mikee Romero and alternate governor Erick Arejola. “He (Romero) texted me, ‘Do your best. Whatever happens, malay mo swertehin ka.’ And I’m very thankful na nanalo.”
Cardel also thanked his players especially Terrence Romeo and Billy Mamaril for their leadership.
“I talked to the players sa practice, and I’m thankful for the guys, especially Terrence and Billy. It’s my first job coaching a professional basketball team and looking back, talagang mas mahirap mag-coach,” said the former PBA guard, who played for Alaska and defunct squads Sta. Lucia, and Shell.
“Sabi ko lang kay Terrence kung pwede nya i-promise na ipanalo yung hame para sa akin, para whatever happens, na-feel ko naman yung panalo. I’m happy na nag-respond sila sa akin.”