In the world of sports, coaches are often hailed as the unsung heroes of a team’s success. They are the masterminds behind every play, the motivators behind every win, and the scapegoats for every loss.
And in the case of Chery Tiggo’s head coach Aaron Velez, he’s seen both sides of the coin.
Almost two years ago, Velez received harsh criticism for constantly rotating his players during the Crossovers’ title run in the 2021 Premier Volleyball League Open Conference.
Fans on social media didn’t take kindly to his methods, especially when the star-studded team suffered two consecutive losses to BaliPure and Sta. Lucia. But despite the backlash, Velez was able to steer the Crossovers to their first-ever professional title, proving that his experimental coaching style had its merits.
However, the team’s performance dipped in the following conference, resulting in an eighth-place finish and Velez’s promotion to a managerial role.
But now, Velez is back on the sidelines, embracing his ‘experimental coach’ tag and seeing the fruits of his labor as Chery Tiggo has secured a red-hot 3-0 start in the 2023 All-Filipino Conference.
"Wasn't I called an 'experimental coach'? So for me, let's just embrace it. If I have that [label], I just need to filter it."
In an interview after the team’s dominant win over F2 Logistics, Velez credited his coaching staff and players for their trust in his system and game plan. He expressed his gratitude for their willingness to submit themselves to his coaching and emphasized the importance of filtering his ideas and strategies.
Velez’s approach to coaching may be unconventional, but it has yielded results. Chery Tiggo’s players have stepped up in the absence of key players, and the team’s collective effort has resulted in impressive performances on the court.
The recent win against F2 Logistics showcased the team’s dominance, as Chery Tiggo took a stunning 3-0 victory. Mylene Paat led the team in scoring with 22 points, while Shaya Adorador, EJ Laure, and Cza Carandang contributed 13, 12, and 10 points respectively. Alina Bicar provided excellent sets, and Buding Duremdes made 25 excellent digs and 13 excellent receptions.
As Chery Tiggo continues its campaign in the All-Filipino Conference, Velez’s experimental coaching style is proving to be a winning formula. His willingness to take risks and try new things has helped the team rise from its previous setbacks and once again contend for a championship title.
The road to success may not always be smooth, but with Aaron Velez at the helm, Chery Tiggo’s journey is bound to be an exciting one.
