Should we call him Papa Ray now?
Reynel Hugnatan is enjoying his new role with the Meralco Bolts.
Still fresh from hanging up his shoes after 20 years of professional basketball, Hugnatan bared he was tasked to train Meralco’s young bigs like new acquisition Norbert Torres, Kyle Pascual, and Raymar Jose.
“Pero kung may nakikita rin ako sa mga guards [nagsasabi rin ako]. Kumbaga sa halos lahat naman,” the 44-year-old assistant coach told One Sports.
Although from time to time he still feels the itch to step on the court, Hugnatan finds solace in this new role with the team.
Asked about which player reminds him of himself, the player-turned-coach only had one player in mind.
“Usually nakikita ko kay Toto,” he said, referring to Jose.
Jose’s efforts were evident in the 100-93 loss to the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters in the PBA on Tour on Sunday.
The former FEU Tamaraw was all over the court at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City, grabbing rebounds, diving for loose balls, and, most importantly, playing defense.
He finished with 9 points and the same number of rebounds to help the Bolts stage an uprising in the homestretch.
In the end, though, Phoenix still ended up with the victory. But what Jose has shown in Sunday's match had Hugnatan written all over it.
“Kasi ako dati nung sa Alaska (Aces) ako, role player ako e. Rebound, defense. ‘Yun naman role ko dati. Nung nag-Meralco ako, doon ako nagka-offense na, kay coach Norman (Black),” he said.
(GM)