Swap of the Century

AS in the saying, "When there's smoke, there's fire". Its an old cliche' that has been proven time and time again to anticipate a foreseen event long before it happens.

Another word can be associated or synonymous to cliche' is rumor, if we put in a layman's language. Yes, as rumors have been circulating the country's premier professional basketball league with the trade or swap of coaches up in the horizon involving two of the most popular teams and popular personalities.

People in the inner circle may already have the information first hand, a week or two, before it leak and come out in the open. This corner likewise, didn't see it coming not until stumbled it in the social media and could have leaked as well in the main stream.

And according to the information, personalities involved, I called it the "Swap of the Century". These time its the coaches' turn to hug the spotlight. With PBA's winningest mentor in Tim Cone, who gave the league's most popular team the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel seven championships since assuming the post as head coach in 2015.

Cone has a total of 25 championship since he started his coaching career with the Victoria Millings' franchise, the defunct Alaska Milk back in 1988. Also included tact under his belt are two Granslam championships in 1996 and during the 2013-14 season under the San Mig Super Coffee Mixers. Thus making the only mentor in the PBA to achieved it.

Concurrently, Cone, at 68, is also the head tactician of national men's team. Gilas Pilipinas appointed during the 2023 Asian Games in Hangshou, China. wherein he gave gave the country its first gold medal win after 62 years.

Though Cone's achievement, is said to be swapped with current Magnolia Hotshot head coach L.A. Tenorio, who had played a significant role under his mentorship, playing for Ginebra as Cone's go to guy at crunch-time.

Tenorio was forced to retire from active playing after he was diagnosed with colon cancer three years ago. And went on an extensive medical treatment abroad and was cleared by doctors last year.

The Tenorio-Cone swapped doesn't end there. Would you believed there's a third party? (looks-like a triangle). Yes Don Simon. There is a third party in Leo Austria, is set to make a coaching comeback as head coach of San Miguel Beer. Austria is taking the post as Jorge Galent, who took over the helm in Austria's absence. Galent have been appointed as team consultant.

Austria, like Cone, has also an impressive record, leading the Beermen to 11 championships since 2014, including a back-to-back Philippine Cup. Whatever those rumors are, I wish them the best of luck, may the best coach wins and may the power of the force be with them (what I'm saying?)

From one rumor to another. The country's most sought after and consider as the world's popular fast-food chain, with over a hundred franchise abroad and growing. Jollibee has been reported that its interested of buying the existing Purefoods/Magnolia franchise. But there were no initial talks yet. only feelers have been sent as of the moment.

Let's just hope for the best and for the betterment of the league. Not to mention, for the viewing and paying public.