Avenido on playing coach role: ‘I’m not Jawo’

Leo Avenido. PBA IMAGES

Thrust to the job of a playing coach for Gamboa Coffee Mix, Leo Avenido admitted that he’s still feeling his way in his new role.

“I’m not Jawo (Robert Jaworski),” the 38-year-old said. “This is hard, but it’s the task that was given so I have to do it.”

Reluctant at first, the former ABL Most Valuable Player did himself well in the Coffee Lovers’ debut in the 2017 PBA D-League Foundation Cup.

While he said he was no “Living Legend,” Avenido’s came out like one as he carried Gamboa Coffee mix, drilling the go-ahead freebies with 3.1 seconds remaining while also thwarting Robby Celiz’ potential game-winner late to secure the pulsating 85-84 win over Zark’s Burger on Thursday.

But more than anything, the 6-foot-2 forward said that all he did was to give confidence to his players as Gamboa Coffee Mix pulled itself out of a 13-point hole in the first half.

“I saw that our morale was down, so I just tried to lift our morale. I just thought that when I come in, I will show them that I’ll give my all,” he said, as he finished with 15 points, five rebounds, two assists, and two steals in the victory.

Avenido, though, reminded his fellow Coffee Lovers to not shy away from sharing their insights to him as the squad seeks to make noise this conference.

“I told them I’m just a coach on paper, but we’re all coaches here and I’m open for suggestions on the plays they think could help us win. That’s how I wanted when I’m playing and that’s the same idea I’m applying here,” he said.