‘Walang personalan’: James Yap, Marc Pingris ‘excited’ to face ex-coach Ryan Gregorio in semis

When San Mig Coffee takes on Meralco in the best-of-five Governors’ Cup semifinals beginning on Sunday, longtime members of the Mixers will see a familiar face on the opposing sidelines: Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio.

Gregorio coached the Purefoods franchise for eight seasons before moving to Meralco in 2011. While with the squad, he was responsible for drafting James Yap, signing Peter June Simon as a rookie free agent, and trading for Marc Pingris.

“First time itong mangyayari. Siyempre excited ako na makalaban si coach Ryan and yung team niya,” said Yap, who won two Philippine Cup titles under Gregorio in 2006 and 2010.

“Alam naman natin si Coach Ryan, magaling siya. Pero laro lang, trabaho lang.”

Pingris grew close to Gregorio during their time together, bonding while playing against each other in console games. He’s happy to see Gregorio in the playoffs, as Meralco makes its first final four appearance in franchise history.

“I’m happy na makakalaro ko ngayon si Coach sa semis kasi alam kong matagal niya na ring hinintay yan na makapasok sa semis. Si Coach Ryan parang tatay ko na rin yan,” said Pingris.

“Matagal niya nang pangarap ito magmula nang nawala siya sa San Miguel (Corporation) team.”

With the two teams facing off, Pingris said he won’t be taking it easy against his old coach’s new team.

“Pero trabaho lang ito. Kapag sa labas magkakaibigan kami pero sa game magkaaway kami. Siya rin naman nagturo sa akin niyan,” said Pingris.

This early, Pingris believes Gregorio is already plotting his moves against San Mig Coffee in Sunday’s game.

“Alam ko pinaghahandaan na niya kami at nanood rin siya sa game namin ngayon,” said Pingris. “Mas lamang sila dahil nakapagpahinga sila kami naman pagod, but katulad ng palagi naming sinasabi, iba na kapag nasa semis ka na. Walang pagod-pagod dito.”