Jose Antonio Yturri
Cebu Gems

One glimpse of this face, there, right then, people can therefore conclude that this man is rigorous... but don’t be mistaken by this facade, for this man actually an angel inside out. Some say first impressions last but not for Cebu Gems’ coach Tonichi Yturri, as fondly call by his colleagues, is now 37 years old. He makes everything possible for the team that it was chosen as one of the most defensive team in MBA.

Born on January 5 at Ilagan, Isabela, Coach Yturri loves to play golf and read books. The youngest son of Mr. Jose Luis, a warehouse manager, and Mrs. Josefina Yturri, a plain housewife, coach’s full name is Jose Antonio Yturri who stands 6’5" tall and weighs 200 lbs.

Coach graduated at St. Paul College in Tuguegarao when he was in elementary. In high school, his parents decided to let coach study at St. Louise University still in Tuguegarao. On his 3^rd year in high school, coach decided to join the basketball varsity and fortunately was selected as a new member. When he reached college, he took up Business Management because for coach having his own business is one way of getting successful. He again joined the basketball varsity and was again welcomed by the team at La Salle University.

Because of his love for basketball, he stopped his schooling on which he considered as the most difficult decision he ever encountered. But for coach, although he is already 37, it is not yet too late to go back to school.

Coach Yturri had a lot of experience as a coach, he used to be the coach Of St. Benelle’s basketball varsity. His standout performance made him the assistant coach of PBA’s Mobiline and Pop Cola. When he noticed that basketball has been good to him, he grabbed the opportunity to be the head coach of Cebu Gems. In the court, coach discipline his players well, he might be cool but when he’s angered, be V-E-R-Y careful ‘coz he could raise a helluva tantrum, guaranteed to scare the rivals away. But, as soon as his mood changes, the sun would shine in the faces of everybody.

Coach wants his players to remember him "as the person who has made their life easier for them". Coach maybe strict but he is indeed a friend to be cherished forever.

One thing that coach wants to impart on his players is that he believes on the saying "Ability will enable a man to get to the top but character is the only thing that keeps from falling off". Being thankful to the Gems fans, he hopes that either win or lose the Cebuanos are still there to support them.

For Coach Tonichi Yturri, there’s one thing you can be assured of --- his companionship.

By Lim, Monette
STC Masscom Intern