PBA: San Miguel guard Chris Ross named playing assistant coach

MANILA, Philippines–San Miguel Beer has tapped its long-time defensive lynchpin Chris Ross with another role as playing assistant coach beginning with the season-opening PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

It was Ross himself who confirmed the appointment that came shortly after being part of Gilas Pilipinas’ historic run to the gold medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games.

“I have the title of assistant coach, but I’m still playing,” Ross said Tuesday during the PBA Media Day at One Esplanade in Pasay City.

Ross received a call from San Miguel Corporation sports director Alfrancis Chua offering him a coaching job to prepare the veteran guard once he decides to hang his jersey.

“He called me and said ‘Hey, I know you still have [a few] years left in you to play, but I want to appoint you as an assistant coach as well.’” Ross said, recalling his phone conversation with Chua.

The multi-time Defensive Player of the Year will now be a part of coach Jorge Gallent’s staff, but will still get a chance to play for the Beermen during the season.

Ross, however, suffered a calf injury recently but declared himself ready to go for San Miguel’s opener on Nov. 15 against NLEX.

“I’m a player first, but I still have to join the coaches’ meetings and all that stuff,” Ross said. “But playing first, but whenever I decide to retire, I know the end is near, I’m 38 now, I told myself that I like to play til I’m 40. Maybe in the next two years, then I’ll jump over to the other side.

“But right now, I’m a playing assistant coach. Some guys on my team know, they’re all joking, calling me coach. Some of my former teammates know, I’m putting it out to the media now. That’s my title,” he added.