INTERIM Converge coach Franco Atienza asserts he's ready to call the shots for the team despite the short period of time he's been given to prepare the FiberXers for Season 49 of the PBA.
"Biglaan talaga but we have to move forward," said Atienza as he spoke to members of the press for the first time during the PBA Media Day presented by ARENA Plus and sponsored by Banh Mi Kitchen, Don Benitos Ang Pambansang Cassava, Pickup Coffee, Taho Klasika, World Balance, Immuni + KangKong King and Hungry Daddy held at the Le Parc Event Hall in Pasay City.at the Le Parc Event Hall in Pasay City.
"The instructions from management is to move forward and compete this conference."
Atienza was named as replacement to former coach Aldin Ayo just last week or less than three weeks before the new season kicks off with the Governors' Cup.
He was part of Ayo's coaching staff in the four conferences the college champion mentor was at the helm of the franchise.
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Just like everybody else, Atienza admitted being taken by surprise following the sudden turn of events.
"No one was expecting that and it happens. In our industry, hindi naman bago na yung ganito," he said. "But you always have to look at the next phase, at the next plays."
Nonetheless, Atienza expressed his gratitude to Converge management for the trust given him to handle the team even on an interim basis.
At the same, Atienza welcomes the addition of active consultant Rajko Toroman and St. Benilde Blazers mentor Charles Tiu to become part of the Converge coaching staff.
"They are a nice addition to the staff, a nice addition to the team," said Atienza of both Toroman and Tiu, whose partnership recently steered the Strong Group Athletics to the 2024 Jones Cup championship in Taipei.
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He did retain though the services of former deputies Danny Ildefonso, Willie Miller, and Karl Santos.
And Atienza's mindset in his first head coaching foray in Asia's pioneering pro league?
"Always man up," he said.
"Sa team when someone gets injured or when someone gets down, you will always hear next man up," added the veteran coach. "So sa coaches ganun din kami. We lost our coach, and someone has to take his place, someone has to steer the team. And I'm the next man up, I guess." (RG)
