Eric Gonzales readily admitted that the TNT KaTropa have plenty of work to do if they intend to figure prominently in the season ending PBA Governors' Cup.
Gonzales was thrust into the spotlight Sunday as a substitute for head coach Nash Racela, who went on an indefinite leave in the aftermath of the team's three consecutive defeats.
Gonzales did not disappoint, guiding TNT to a 118-114 overtime victory over the Columbian Dyip to boost the confidence of the KaTropa heading a 20-game break.
"Kailangan pa namin magprepare pakasi nasa ilalim pa kami," Gonzales said. "Mahirap po talaga ang sitwasyon namin, wala namang magic e. Kailangan talaga magtulong-tulong."
Team Virgil Villavicencio said it's still unclear as to how long will Gonzales call the shot but the long time assistant of Racela said Gonzales he has received Racela's full backing.
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Racela and Gonzales have been together since 2011 when they worked as assistant coaches to Olsen Racela with the national U-16 team. Gonzales was an assistant when Nash Racela handled Far Eastern University from 2013 to 2016, including the Tamaraws' 2015 UAAP championship run.
The 45-year-old Gonzales reunited with Racela this season when he hired to be part of the TNT coaching staff.
"Si coach Nash in-encourage din niya rin ako. Just take charge, sabi niyang ganun," Gonzales said.
Gonzales is no stranger to being an interim coach after being handed the same role during his time with GlobalPort in 2014.
He also had head coaching stints with National University in 2010 and Batangas in the 2017 PBA D-League season.(JT)
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