By JONAS TERRADO • WAYLON GALVEZ
Jeff Chan’s statline in his Barangay Ginebra San Miguel debut Wednesday night has failed to impress those hoping for an auspicious start to a new chapter in his PBA career but not coach Tim Cone.
Cone has a different perspective.
Even Allan Caidic, perhaps the finest shooter in his era, is likewise convinced Chan just suffered from a first game jitter.
Though Chan played for 19 minutes, he scored only four points – all from the free throw line – as he bungled his lone three-point shot in Ginebra’s 134-107 win over the Columbian Dyip.
Obviously it was not a dream start for the former Gilas gunner but the Kings still went on to post their third straight win since a 1-5 start.
“His presence kinda allows us to play small ball, so I thought he made a big impact early,” Cone said. “It kinda settles us down and got us back into the game, not by his three-point shooting which everyone talks about but being a smart veteran, making smart passes and playing under control.
“It kinda just kept everybody under control and I really liked that about him,” added the multi-titled mentor.
On his part, Caidic said Chan is still in the getting-to-know stage.
“Give him more time, I’m sure he will contribute,” said Caidic of Chan, who is oftentimes described as his successor. “He’s still adjusting to his new role.”
The former league MVP went through that same route when, after suiting up for Great Taste in his first six years in the PBA – winning Rookie of the Year honors in 1987 and MVP award in 1990 – he was shipped to powerhouse San Miguel Beer in 1993.
