Coach Jason Webb not interested in joining show biz

JASON Webb (left) with dad Freddie

I have always been a Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) girl. I love the game so much that my heart got “dribbled” by a former PBA cager (my ex-hubby Eddie Boy Mendoza) many basketball seasons ago. He has retired from the league, but I am still hooked on PBA. I have long been rooting for Purefoods Star Hotshots (PSH), the team of my kumpare Alvin Patrimonio and my amigo, James Yap.

They have a new coach this season, Jason Webb. He is movie-star material just like his dad, cager-turned-actor, Freddie Webb. Since Freddie is a PBA icon, Jason has big (rubber) shoes to fill, but he has so far proven his worth. PBA and local show biz are eternally linked. There’s something about PBA players that lures actresses/singers/TV personalities to them. The list of PBA stars/show biz couples keeps growing.

In this basketball-crazy country, Coach Jason is determined to make the Purefoods Hotshots hotter. Hoop, hoop, hooray!

Don’t you have an inclination to join show biz just like your dad?

No, while I’ve followed in most of my father’s footsteps, show business is just not one of the things that appeal to me.

What’s the toughest part of taking the place of Tim Cone as the coach of Purefoods?

Coach Tim is the winningest coach in the history of the league and no one can replace him.

What kind of Purefoods team will we see now?

A team that is much more free-flowing and uptempo. I’m hoping that we become a very passionate team.

How would you assess the performance of James Yap and Marc Pingris in this conference?

Both guys have been having fruitful seasons so far.

How is your brother, Hubert, these days?

My brother is good. He is already engaged and is still trying to slowly recover the 15 years that he lost.

Tell us about your daughters.

My two daughters are very supportive of my new career. Both are starting to get their feet wet with sports—one in volleyball and the other in football.

What kind of a dad are you?

I’m a very hands- on dad. I wake up every morning to have breakfast with my daughters before they go to school and try to be there before they go to bed. I’m strict when necessary.

After your term as councilor in Parañaque ends, do you have plans of running for higher office?

No, no more. It is time for other people to get the opportunity to make our city even better.

If your life story would be described as a basketball move, what would it be?

The dribble will always have its ups and downs, just like life.

What’s the best and the toughest part of being the son of Freddie Webb?

It’s tough when your 72-year-old dad can carry a beach body better than you.