Chris Ross appointed as San Miguel playing assistant coach

Veteran guard Chris Ross takes on a new role with San Miguel after being installed as a playing assistant coach starting the 48th season of the PBA.

The 38-year-old Ross said he got his appointment five days ago from San Miguel Corporation sports director Alfrancis Chua as he prepares to go into his 14th season in the league.

“I’m actually playing assistant coach. I have the title of assistant coach but I’m still playing,” said Ross during the first day of PBA Media Day which featured six teams.

“I don’t know if anybody has that title but Boss Al called me last week and I was sleeping and I was like woke up three hours later and I had two missed calls. I texted him back and he called five minutes later and he was like, ‘I just want you to know that I know you still have years left in you to play but I want to appoint you as assistant coach as well,’” added the Asian Games gold medalist.

Ross bared that he already took part in coaches’ meetings over the past few days since he was appointed.

“It’s been maybe five days on the job and I went to one coaches’ meeting. But I told coach G (team manager Gee Abanilla) that I wasn’t official yet until I get all the coaching shirts. Once I got that, it’s official.”

Ross though said he still intends to play for the coming season, even as he recently sustained a calf injury during practice. The 38-year-old Fil-Am said he plans to play for two more years.

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