Avendano created a stir in the PBA scene when he announced early this week that Jacobs, the long-time SMB consultant who steered the Philippines to the Asian Basketball Confederation (ABC) championship 13 years ago, is being tapped to replace another American, Norman Black, as head mentor of the team. "Hindi mo rin mai-aalis 'yon," Avendano referred on a possible BCAP move to stop SMB from hiring Jacobs. "Yes, it is a problem and it affects us. Hindi lang si Jacobs ang masama ang loob."

"For our part, we're trying to thresh out the problems while thinking on how to handle the situation. But I understand this is being left to DOLE to decide," Avendano said. SMB is keeping its finger crossed that DOLE would decide on its favor as Avendano recalled similar cases involving Americans Bobby Parks and Tim Cone. It can be recalled that BCAP also protested Parks' coaching Formula Shell and Cone's handling of Alaska Milk. According to Avendano, a Supreme Court ruling left the decision to DOLE which, in turn, allowed Cone to assume the position with the Milkmen. Cone went on to lead Alaska to a Grand Slam last year while Parks and Shell abandoned their cause due to "pressure." "Parang katulad din 'yung case namin with Parks and Shell," Avendano stated.

"But we are trying not to give in to pressure and I hope DOLE will appreciate the situation. Here's someone who has done a great thing for the country and has the ability to continue doing so for the PBA. He has done a lot for San Miguel and we really think he will be a big help to the team," Avendano added. The SMB official went on to say that if they fail to get a positive ruling from DOLE, the team would simply look into its own pool of coaches for replacement.