Delta Pineda first sat as assistant coach to Franco Atienza in Converge before taking over the reins ahead of PBA Season 50.
LA Tenorio, Willy Wilson and Ronald Tubid are not the only rookie chief tacticians in PBA Season 50.
Dennis “Delta” Pineda joins the trio as he is also set to make his coaching debut for Converge.
But the two-time MPBL champion mentor with the Pampanga Giant Lanterns is under no illusion that this gig is going to be easy.
“Malaking challenge. Masaya kasi, siyempre, ito 'yong best league sa’tin sa Pilipinas. Isa ito sa pinakamalaking liga sa buong Asya. Mixed emotions talaga,” Pineda told reporters during PBA Media Day.
[RELATED STORY: PBA: Delta Pineda optimistic with Converge’s future with addition of Juan Gomez de Liaño]
Pineda replaced Franco Atienza at the helm, with the latter staying as part of the coaching staff.
Although he already has experience under his belt, Pineda — known more for identifying talents in his home province of Pampanga — could not hide the jitters.
[RELATED STORY: Delta Pineda sees Rafi Reavis as important piece for Converge in PBA Season 50]
After all, he is going up against the likes of multi-titled mentors in Tim Cone, Leo Austria and his “kuya,” Yeng Guiao, in the league.
“Siyempre, 'yong challenge pa rin sa'kin dito, medyo mabigat, ay sa mga babanggain naming mga teams, mga coaches. Nakakanerbiyos pa rin,” Pineda said.
Asked how he will juggle his dual role, which includes being the vice governor of Pampanga, Pineda said that his duty to his constituents comes first above everything else.
“Same thing with Kuya Yeng,” Pineda said, referring to Guiao, who also held the same post in Pampanga years ago.
“Priority pa rin namin ang public service, especially 'yong sessions na obligado kaming nandoon. Kailangan kong i-perform 'yon. Still, public service ang No. 1 sa’min.”
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.