MANILA, 15 February — If you think you have seen the last of Alvin Patrimonio, think again.
The four-time Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) surely is not about to fade into the sunset. Not just yet.
So, dare not think that he is keeping himself preoccupied this days preparing for a grand farewell party.
He is not bound for retirement, not even for silent retirement. Not just yet.
So move the pensioner’s armchair aside for a while. Chances are, it may even take a long while before it could be serve to Patrimonio. Could even be much longer than expected.
The PBA’s second four-time MVP is not calling it a day.
As a matter of fact, he is opening what could well be yet another chapter of his colorful storybook career in the pro league.
Even if, admittedly, Father Time is fast creeping up on him, and the shadow of retirement would inevitably catch up on him, Patrimonio will still be around under the glaring lights of the hardcourt.
The indefatigable player has been named assistant coach of Purefoods, his mother and only ballclub that has sheltered him and nurtured him to becoming one of the PBA’s all-time greats.
Although that position as head coach’s first lieutenant would take effect only next year — the time when he could well be ripe for a grand exit — it doesn’t matter at all for now.
What counts more is that the prized forward — known in the league as the “Captain” — is already assured of a retirement compensation that could be as heavy as his multimillion bank account.
Patrimonio, one of only two winners of the PBA’s coveted MVP trophy four times — next only to his boyhood hero and former coach and teammate Ramon Fernandez — also stands to set a record straight when he assumes the job as assistant bench taskmaster.
He would become only the second marquee PBA player after Allan Caidic to play the dual role of a player and an assistant coach at the same time.
Before Patrimonio, among those who became player-assistant coach were Allan Caidic under coach Rino Salazar at Barangay Ginebra, Dickie Bachmann and Jun Reyes under coach Tim Cone at Alaska and Art dela Cruz and Siot Tanquingcen under coach Jong Uichico at San Miguel. Taking the bigger role of player-head coach were Robert Jaworski at Ginebra, Fernandez at Purefoods and Norman Black for a game or more at San Miguel and Pop Cola.
Purefoods team manager Rene Pardo said the new contract of Patrimonio has already been finalized.
The 6-foot-4 banger whose place in Philippine basketball history is already assured even before he could affix his signature to his contract extension is more than excited even at the mere thoughts of becoming part of the coaching staff next year.
“Basketball is my life so ever since I really wanted to become coach once I end my playing career. That’s why I’m so excited with my future with Purefoods,” said the 35-year-old Patrimonio who admitted he’s not getting any younger.
And he is now preparing himself for his transformation from playing to coaching after getting his wish for a three-year deal involving an assistant coaching job.
The Purefoods management refused to divulge the amount of money involved in the contract but a team insider said Patrimonio is still guaranteed of the maximum monthly pay of 500,000 pesos throughout the deal with a special provision making him a part of the coaching staff at the end of the contract next year.
“Actually, it’s up to him (Patrimonio). He can start right away this year if he feels like wanting to become the team’s assistant coach and at the same time playing inside,” Pardo said.
So the ball is in Patrimonio’s hand after all, huh?
“But he says not this year. He wants to concentrate more on playing and helping the team win a title. He is looking forward to have another great season,” said Pardo.
Patrimonio is determined to win an unprecedented fifth PBA MVP award.
“That is my goal this year,” said Patrimonio.
“He thinks he still has a good chance to go for another MVP plum this year, so he’ll still concentrate on playing,” said Pardo.
With coach Eric Altamirano on loan to the Philippine national team bound for the Asian Games in Pusan, South Korea, this September, the youthful Ryan Gregorio has been tapped to be the acting head coach at Purefoods.
Oh, yes, the Pusan Games.
Patrimonio is also working extra hard determined to regain his old deadly form with hopes of getting a last-minute call to join the national team in the prestigious quadrennial regional games. He wants to suit up for the national squad one last time.
The 30 players named by head coach Jong Uichico to the two Philippine candidates teams set to see action in this year’s PBA season-opening Governor’s Cup doesn’t include Patrimonio. He didn’t feel bad he was not included in the list of players invited to join the tryouts for the Pusan-bound national squad.
The national pool candidates continue to sweat it out at the Moro Lorenzo Sports Center hoping to earn the nod of the coaching staff and eventually book slots to the Pusan-bound joust.
