Breakthrough: Motivational Philosophies Of Coach Bo Perasol

Breakthrough /ˈbrākˌTHro͞o/
A significant and dramatic overcoming of a perceived obstacle, allowing the completion of a process

I believe that this is the first ever photo I took of Bo Perasol,  Head Coach of the Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles. This was during a second round elimination game in the UAAP season 75. On the 26th of November 2012, he was appointed to take over from Coach Norman Black when the five time UAAP champion makes the move over to the PBA. Clearly, Coach Bo was quietly observing the team from the stands, but you can already see the smoldering intensity in his eyes. He may have been deep in thought, searching for some magic formula to continue the teams winning ways.

 

A lot of great thinkers and scientists live for a "eureka" moment, when everything comes together and that light bulb on top of your head burns bright. Breakthroughs and discoveries can come just like that, or sometimes they can come in periodic waves.

For Coach Bo, these deep discernments coupled with some difficult experiences have given rise to some tenets that he lives by. In a relaxed chat over lunch, he told me that he was a big believer in straight talk. He will not sugar coat the truth just to make you feel better. He realizes that being up-front builds trust and this goes a long way in developing relationships and fostering team unity.

These were, however, farthest from his mind in 1988 as a freshman in UP Diliman. As a Mass Comm undergrad living in the dorms within the campus, he had dreams of going into broadcast media or developing his love for music into a career. Basketball was, however, already in his blood and he would rush back to the student residence to catch the PBA games on TV after his classes. He eventually decided to try out for the Maroons and played for five seasons, becoming team captain in his last eligible playing year.

After graduating, the realities of life found him earning a living working for a large bank but he still managed to keep one foot in the proverbial basketball door as head coach of the Junior Fighting Maroons. This coaching job went on for 4 years. This is probably when this philosophy crystallized in his mind: That there are times when life backs you up into a corner and you have to do what you have to in order to survive. Your life is in your hands and sometimes life doesn't offer up that many options. These are, for him, character building opportunities, a measure of the man you are to become.

He later saw himself cutting his chops coaching teams in the defunct MBA. He started out with the Surigao Miners and wound up with The Laguna Lakers, a team associated with Bert Lina and  FedEx.

After his stint with the MBA, he decided to accept a corporate job that was offered to him by FedEx management because he felt that there would be more stability for him, he accepted. But life has a way of pulling him back in. Serendipity played a huge part in drawing Coach Bo back onto the court.

The group of Bert Lina decided it was best to let go of the Laguna Lakers basketball team in the MBA to be able to concentrate better on running the FedEx Express in the PBA after it took over the franchise of Tanduay. FedEx went through a number of coaching changes in it's first few years in the league. In 2005, after FedEx (the corporation) left the Philippines, the team changed it's name to the Air21 Express. They were looking for a new bench tactician after their old coach, Bong Ramos, abruptly resigned at the end of the season. Management soon realized that they had an old hand in their own back yard. Talk about being at the right place at the right time. Coach Bo Perasol eventually took over the reins of the team at the start of the 2005-2006 Fiesta Conference.

Player trades that were deemed unfavorable to the team and an untested import made Air21 the favorite for last place in the standings. This is where the motivational skills of Coach Bo started to show. When guiding his players, he makes sure that each and every one realizes how important they are to the team. No matter what role you play, there is an integral part for you on the team. This philosophy and his coaching skills produced a pleasantly surprising result in that the team placed third against Ginebra, the best finish of the team up to that point.

With steady improvement, the 2008 Fiesta Cup saw Air21 finishing first in the standings after the elimination round. Coach Perasol and the team went up against Ginebra in a gritty finals series and they pushed their erstwhile rivals to the brink only to fall short in the 7th and deciding game.   On a personal note, Coach Bo quietly mentioned that the Ginebra Kings was a team that he idolized as a youngster but he had no problems letting it all hang out and wasn't the least bit intimidated by them when he needed to prove himself.

After 4 years with the Air 21 Express, Coach Bo joined the Coca Cola Tigers in 2009 to become Director of Basketball Operations and Assistant Coach to Kenneth Duremdes. He soon took over the coaching chores from Duremdes who was elevated to Team Manager.

His early coaching jobs in the PBA were frustrating in that he would get the teams in transition or during a re-building phase. There were a lot of player movements, often times involving the teams better players, that required constant adjustments. With the Coca Cola Tigers (renamed Powerade Tigers in 2010), he felt he could finally develop a strong title contender with players he had a hand in drafting. This culminated in the Powerade Tigers reaching the finals of the 2011-12 Philippine Cup. They eventually ceded the championship to Talk n' Text 4 games to 1.

In what seemed like the ultimate act of betrayal, after the team looked like they could finally compete at a high level, the owners of Powerade decided to put  the franchise up for sale to Globalport. The teams' new owners offered the coaching job to Perasol but at around the same time he got another interesting offer...Head Coach of the multi-titled Ateneo Blue Eagles.

It certainly wasn't an easy decision to make. I think what may have swung it in Ateneos favor is that he has this paternal side to him and the opportunity to teach a college team with a system in place was very appealing. He mentioned that these young men are very impressionable at this stage in their lives and he has to watch his language and deportment because he did not want the players picking up any bad habits from him.

Fate would put a crimp on this plan. Just before the final rounds of the UAAP started, Mr. Manny Pangilinan, who had a direct hand in hiring him, and patron of the ADMU sports program cut ties with with University over perceived policy disagreements. An eventual reconciliation by the two put the partnership back on track and soon there were a number of Bo Perasol sightings.

Here he is having a chat with team manager Paolo Trillo at the Arena in San Juan during a PCCL game in November 2012. This should be a very productive partnership that has the potential to reap a lot of rewards.

He realizes that there is quite a lot of pressure on his shoulders, but the current situation of the team is a place he has found himself in a number of times in the past. A team in transition, finding itself with new faces and having to learn new plays. One thing is for certain...Coach Bo will be relying on his set of guiding principles and beliefs. It's a tried and tested system. He has counted on advice and information from the old coaching staff, and he has immersed himself in the traditions of the team. He slowly worked his way from the fringes during the PLLC games to finally leading team practices.

 

 

 

I have observed how he patiently guides the individual players and suggests ways to improve their game in a very paternal way. He has had no problems with the teams morale as he has fit in to his role quite easily. There is an excitement in the Blue side of Katipunan, the kind of thrill that one gets when going out on a first date with a long time crush.

Still, there are issues that need to be addressed. The team needs to adjust to the fact that Greg Slaughter is gone and there will probably be no more dominant center this year. The forward positions are mostly untested and the offense will have to come from more diverse options. They will need to adjust their mindset to those facts and focus on a new paradigm.

With 5 players leaving, the new crew will have to find ways to make up 39.84 points, 23.8 rebounds, 5.65 assists, and 4.82 blocks.

Of the remaining members of the team, Juami Tiongson will have to take more of a leadership role with the team. One would expect the ball to mostly be in the hands of Kiefer Ravena, Ryan Buenafe and Nico Elorde (not in that order). Von Pessumal and Gwynn Capacio will need to contribute more and I think they will be up to the task. This will also be a good time for Isaac Lim to step up and show what he's got. Frank Golla should be able to head the defensive effort on the big men. I'm hoping that he also starts to get the confidence to take more shots.

Of the "bigs", Poy Erram should be back in harness by the time the team is ready for active competition and I don't think that there will be any cobwebs on him. Providing assistance will be Kris Porter and Gib Babilonia. We expect Chris Newsome to immediately make an impact.

The Blue Eagles have always believed this dictum by Aristotle: That the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. A team that is united in thought and deed exceeds individual expectations, just like a persons cumulative life experiences also create something greater than the individual. Coach Bo Perasol has certainly travelled down a well worn path, one that has brought enhanced meaning and dimension to his being. Yet, the path is by no means nearing it's end; though it may be undulating it should be leading him to greater heights.

 

Chris Newsome - Waiting To Exhale

For two years years now, I have patiently awaited the coming of Chris Newsome. Fr. Nemy Que, Ateneo basketball team Chaplain described him as the kind of person you would want to be around. It was also intimated that Chris was actually being set up to try out with some PBA teams when he first came to the Philippines to discover his roots at the age of 19.  

He was at a crossroads when Coach Norman Black told him he could finish college in the US and come back here to play pro ball or he could finish his college basketball career here.  His decision to take the difficult road to sit out 2 years for residency requirements and play college ball  here speaks of his maturity and wisdom at an early age. He knew that getting a college degree carries a lot of stock, and being in the Philippines at an earlier stage of his career will improve his chances of getting into the PBA.

Sitting out two years may have been difficult but not as much as coming to the other side of the world, living alone, not knowing anyone, adjusting to life without family and a new environment, fending for yourself, at the same time coping with school work, house chores and practice. It certainly has not been an easy journey. 

 

Having met this personable young man through  Atenean Greg Slaughter in 2011, I could sense an easy confidence in him through his ready smile and cool demeanor. Yet, I felt there was more to him, lying just below the surface. I could sense this quiet, competitive spirit waiting to explode.

It has been quite a wait and after two long years in the sidelines, he will finally get to strut and see action with the Blue Eagles, and just like a kid waiting to open his first present on Christmas morning,  he will finally get to exhale.
 

Raddy Mabasa: Hi Chris! Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to do this interview. First off, everyone knows you by your nickname, but what is your given name?

 

Chris Newsome: It's Christopher Elijah Newsome.

 

RM: You are originally from the United States? Where were you born?

 

CN: Yes, I was born in San Jose, California to Eric and Carmelita Newsome.

 

RM: How tall and how heavy are you?

 

CN: I'm 6'2'' and I weigh 185 lbs.

 

RM: In one of the first few times we talked back in 2011, I remember you telling me that you played some ball in the US?

 

CN: I played for New Mexico Highlands University for 3 years. This school was in Division 2 of the NCAA. I played point and shooting guard there.

 

RM: I also heard that you were half Filipino?
 

CN: I am Fil-Am! My mom is Filipina and was born here in the Philippines. I wanted to explore the Filipino part of my heritage by coming for a visit here with my dad.

 

RM: What were the circumstances surrounding your playing for the Blue Eagles?
 

CN: During that visit I went to a practice at the Ateneo and they offered me a chance to play basketball and study there. I had to decide to either play out 1 more year in the States or transfer. I was 20 years old when I made the move here.

 

RM: So, technically, you have 2 more playing years left at the University level?
 

CN: Yes, 2 years I look forward to playing for Ateneo.
 

RM: Why did you decide on Ateneo? Given your experience playing in the US, I'm sure there were other opportunities.
 

CN: Ateneo was the best fit for me to finish my degree, coming from an American University . I just felt more comfortable going to Ateneo over any other school I looked at.

RM: What course are you enrolled in?

 

CN: AB Communications.

 

RM: What do you see yourself doing after basketball?
 

CN: After my basketball playing years, I would like to be doing something with my communications degree. Maybe in TV or music.

RM: Speaking of music, I hear you play the piano very well.

CN: I learned to play the piano by myself. I started playing the piano at about age 16 and realized I could play some songs after listening to the music track. I like playing R & B usually and some classical music. I also am trying to do some composing.
 

RM: Going back to basketball, you had to  endure a 2 year residency. How difficult was it and how did you manage not playing competitive ball during this time?
 

CN: It was very difficult to "sit out" for 2 years. There were times I get this feeling like I almost forget how to play the game (lol). I made sure to keep my mind in the game by practicing a lot and watching the guys at Team-A play. I also took mental notes and watched a lot of basketball (NBA, PBA and the UAAP). Playing with Team-B helped stoke the competitive fires.

RM: What made you decide on a two year residency and playing another two years for Ateneo instead of playing out your last year in New Mexico and turning pro?

CN: Either way, I was going to end up trying to make it to the PBA, even if I did finish my studies in the US. I felt that coming over to Ateneo was best thing for me because I get to actually study in and play for a good school. I knew that this would open doors and lead to opportunities for me after I graduate.

 

RM: What differences are there playing for Team A and B?
 

CN: The game is faster and more intellectual on Team A compared to my experience on Team B.

RM: What are you looking forward to the most in this years games?

CN: It's got to be being in the intense atmosphere of a UAAP game and being on the court playing instead of watching from the sidelines. I remember watching an Ateneo - La Salle game and the atmosphere was electric. One side of the arena was in green and other blue. Back then I was imagining myself in blue and on the court.

 

RM: Let's go back a bit to how your career started. How old were you when you got started playing organized basketball? 
 

CN: I started playing competitive basketball when I was in grade 7 but always loved playing at the parks and my backyard before that.

RM: Did someone introduce you to playing competitive ball? Did you have to go through trying out for a team?

CN: I've always had a keen interest in competitive organized basketball but there were not many leagues nearby where I was growing up. My first school try out was in my 7th grade and I did make the team!
 

RM: Did you get into any other sports before or after basketball?  Was playing another sport beneficial for you?
 

CN: I started off playing soccer and American football. Yes, they were both beneficial and have a lot to do with my athletic ability and body build. 

RM: I noticed that during practice, especially during scrimmages, you love to run, jump and dunk the ball…How did this come about?

CN: I think I have been blessed with better than average athletic ability. Would you believe that my first dunk in a game was in my 2nd year of high School?

RM: Is this a part of your basketball persona?

CN: I am definitely known for my running and jumping abilities, so I would say that, yes, this is part of my persona as a player.

RM: Ateneo has always preached the importance of defense. How would you rate yourself on defense?

CN: About a 7 out of 10, but always trying to improve. There is always room for improving on one's abilities and fine tuning your skills.

RM: Who are you closest to on the team?

CN: I'm close to all of my teammates, past and incoming, but I do have classes with Von (Pessumal) this semester so I see him more than any other teammate off the court.

 

RM: Who do you consider your biggest influence?

CN: My family has always been my biggest influence. They have supported me 100% and have been behind me since day 1. As far as players are concerned, I admire quite a few NBA players like Michael Jordan, Allen Iverson, Kobe Bryant, Derek Rose, Russell Westbrook and Kyrie Irving. They are very talented and great at what they do.

RM: Are you officially a Filipino Citizen? Do your basketball plans extend to the PBA?

CN: Yes, I am proudly a Filipino Citizen. After college I definitely plan on trying to extend my playing career to the PBA.

RM: How do you prepare yourself for a game? Any pre-game rituals?

CN: I like to take a quick nap, listen to loud music, some dancing and jumping around and them eat some sort of candy...Life Savers and Gummies are my favorite.

RM: What is a typical practice day like?

CN: These days its all about going to the gym, lifting weights and conditioning. Then I do some shooting and ball skills before the team practice. After our team practice I usually like to stay behind and again do some extra work on my shooting.

RM: You are really getting in shape for this years games! More or less, you have told us a bit about your basketball persona, but can you tell us, who is Chris Newsome?
 

CN: I am someone who is motivated by the people who matter most to me. My family keeps me going even though they are on the other side of the world. Other than that, I love music. Hip-Hop and R & B usually, but I am open to any kind of music. I also like playing video games like COD, 2K and FIFA and watching movies.



Chris with Ateneo basketball team Chaplain, Fr. Nemy Que.

Who Is Benoit Mbala?

I was fortunate enough to have met SWU rookie center Benoit Mbala during the PCCL Semis. He struck me as a very hard working athlete who plays hard on both ends of the court. I immediately noticed how he put emphasis on defense and was ready to body up and block shots. He's no slouch either when it comes to shooting. His 41 points, 16 rebounds and 4 blocks output against UAAP powerhouse UST says a lot and he did that without committing a single foul.

 

Ben Mbala agreed to a short  interview and a chance for us to get to know him better.

 

 

Raddy Mabasa: Hi Ben, thanks a lot for letting me get a chance to ask you some questions. First off, watching you play, I thought that you had played college ball for some time now. How old are you?

 

Benoit Mbala: Well, first of all my full name is Benoit Mbala Mendzana and I am 17 years old.

 

RM: Where were you born? Did you come from a large family?

 

BM: I am Cameroonian and I am from Yaounde, the capital. I come from a family of 5 children and I am the youngest. 

 

RM: How tall and how heavy are you?

 

BM: I am about 6'7" and 240 lbs.

 

RM: That should make opposing centers' life more difficult considering you can easily out-reach and out-push most of them. Tell me, how did you find yourself in the Philippines.

BM: Moustapha Arafat who is now suiting up for UE is a very close friend of mine.  We played in Basketball Without Borders* together and when he came over to the Philippines he convinced me to come over as well because according to him this is a great basketball country. I arrived here when i was still 16 years of age. I tell you, it was very hard for my family to let me go because I was the youngest and I had plans of going to the United States after the BWB camp.

RM: I'm sure there were a lot of other good players with you in that camp. How did you do compared to the others?

BM: I managed to be MVP of the camp, that is why I was supposed to go to the US after the camp ended.

 

RM: Wow, you chose the Philippines over the US! How did you get started with basketball?

BM: I used to play soccer but I started to grow taller really fast and when I turned 12 I started to play basketball and fell in love with the sport. My mum bought me a personal court so i could practice anytime I wanted. A friend of my brother also saw my height and introduced me to a team.  

RM: Why didn't you come to Manila? Why Cebu?

BM: Because the one who first contacted me was SWU Coach Yayoy Alcoseba and he asked me to play for his team.

RM: Speaking of Coach Alcoseba, how would you describe him?

BM: Coach Yayoy is more than a coach to me. He is more like a father. He is also a friend and teacher who guides me as well outside of the court.

RM: What course are you enrolled in?

BM: I am taking up Accounting.

RM: Did you ever stop playing soccer?

BM: I still play soccer because it is the national sport in Cameroon.

RM: Almost all basketball players look up to someone. Who do you admire the most?

BM: As a basketball player, you have to try to be complete so that you can adjust to every situation. I get this attitude from the player I idolize: LeBron James. He is good in offense but he also cares about defense, boxing out, rebounding, blocking, and helping his teammates get better. When LeBron lost a number of playoff and championship matches he was criticized by many people but he still keep on going hard, working hard, playing hard.

 

 

 

RM: Yes, it is very apparent that you work really hard on both your offense and defense. Can you tell me something about that game against UST where you scored 41 points, got 16 rebounds blocked 4 shots?

BM: All I can say is I was really mad because we lost our first two games and I didn't want to end up losing the third. We were playing for and representing the Southern Islands, we had to win at least a game.

 

 

RM: Just a few final questions. Who are you closest to on your team?
 

BM: That would have to be Justin Aboude. He is older than me and he is always helping me out by giving me advice and cheering me up. I consider him like my older brother.

 

RM: What are your plans after you graduate?

 

BM: After college I want to try and play basketball in a professional league. If not, then I will find a job and start a family.

RM: With your talent and attitude I think it will be easy for you to find a team who needs your abilities. By the way, do you have a routine before a game? 

 

BM: Before every game I pray because I come from a Catholic family and God is the center of my life. After that I try to focus on what will happen during the game. I don't do anything special, I just try to concentrate on the instructions of the coach.

RM: What is a typical day for Ben Mbala?

BM: A typical practice day for me is jogging, work out, and practice (shooting skills, dribbling skills, etc.).

 

RM: In a few words, can you describe yourself?

 

BM: I am a simple guy who likes to be crazy and have fun but also knows when to be serious.

 

RM: Lastly, I heard some rumors that there are Universities in Manila who were impressed with your brand of basketball. Any chance you would consider playing here?

 

BM: I don't really know about moving to Manila, but you know as a player I need greater challenges to see where I still need to improve.

 

RM: Ok, Ben, thank you again for your time and for sharing all these personal insights. The best of luck to you and your basketball career.

 

BM: Thank you too!

 

 

*Basketball Without Borders is a FIBA and NBA international development and community relations outreach program. About 1,000 young athletes from over 100 countries and territories worldwide participate in this program to promote  leadership, education and sportsmanship among other things.

Added Feb 2013...Recent news has come out that Ben Mbala will be seeing action for DLSU after a 1 year residency! We wish him all the best and see great things for him and DLSU in the coming years! Another milestone in what is bound to become a storied career. Congratulations!!