THE losing streak of Columbian Dyip in the PBA Governors Cup almost took its toll on Johnedel Cardel.
The rookie coach admitted being on the verge of calling it quits even before the Dyip finally made the win column on Friday after reasserting their mastery over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 100-84, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Cardel made the revelation as he made his first post-game winning interview as a full-time head coach, saying he already broached out his plan to team governor Bobby Rosales as the Dyip have yet to show a win after nine games and vowed out of playoff contention for the third straight time this season.
"I told Boss (Bobby Rosales), kapag hindi tayo nanalo, puwede tayong mag-shuffle ulit," said Cardel, who replaced Ricky Dandan as coach just before the start of the season-ending conference.
"That's fine with me. I can accept that probably I'm not yet ready to coach a PBA team," added the former PBA player.
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But Rosales thumbed down the idea and gave Cardel the assurance management is all behind him.
"We're giving you all-out support," Rosales told his coach.
"Doon pa lang na-relieve na ako, nabigyan ako ng morale booster uli to coach a PBA team," said Cardel.
The Dyip didn't disappoint their coach as they hang tough this time and frustrated the Elasto Painters behind import Akeem Wright, Jeremy King and the former San Miguel pair of Rashawn McCarthy and Ronald Tubid.
Wright led the Dyip's charge with 23 points and 12 rebounds, King added 18, while Tubid and McCarthy each had 16.
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Tubid, the most veteran player in the team, said he's happy the Dyip were able to give Cardel a win in his rookie season.
"Para kay coach John hindi siya na-zero," said the 15-year pro.
Cardel indeed, was able to heave a sigh of relief.
"Nakatanggal ng tinik sa dibdib," said the Columbian coach.(RG)
