PBA: Meralco coaches fulfilled ‘impossible task’ in title run

Meralco Bolts coaching staff led by head coach Luigi Trillo and active consultant Nenad Vucinic receives the Baby Dalupan Coach of the Year award during the PBA Press Corps Awards Night at Novotel Araneta City in Cubao, Quezon City.

MANILA, Philippines—For the first time ever, the PBA Press Corps awarded an entire coaching staff for the Baby Dalupan Coach of the Year award.

Meralco’s coaching staff was the recipient of the prestigious plum Tuesday night after steering the Bolts to their maiden PBA championship in last season’s Philippine Cup.

Winning the award, however, isn’t enough. At least for Meralco’s active consultant Nenad Vucinic.

READ: Vucinic-Trillo tag team leads to Meralco’s first PBA title

For Vucinic, who head coach Luigi Trillo believes plays an instrumental role in the franchise’s success, the quest isn’t just to be hailed as the best tacticians. Also part of the objective is to “leave the place in a better condition than when we took over.”

“I’d like to thank the players. They had to put up with a lot of things from us and we’ve been very demanding of them and I’m glad that they trusted the process and went on to win the championship,” said the Serbian mentor.

Meralco head coach Luigi Trillo, left, and active consultant Nenad Vucinic during Game 1 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

“We have to make sure that we leave the place in a better condition than when we took over and for coach Luigi and me, it was an impossible task to fill the shoes of coach Norman (Black) who stepped aside for us and it was a very difficult task and it still is.”

READ: PBA: Luigi Trillo: Nobody remembers second place

Black, who guided the team to several finals appearances, remains active in calling the shots as he joins forces with Trillo and Vucinic on the sidelines.

“Our road last season was not an easy one,” said Trillo.

“We had a slow start but we found our way to get it done. I’m proud to stand with these guys.”

Also part of the Bolts’ coaching staff are Gene Afable, Reynel Hugnatan and Sandro Soriano.