PBA Commissioner's Cup Updates

Just as Philippine Cup finals tend to heat up (as of presstime TNT leads 1-0), the 8 teams out for contention for the title have made changes to their teams to prepare for the first import laden conference set on February 8, 2013

COACHING CHANGES:

 

Junel Baculi, as expected will now be leading the charge in the bench for Global Port Batang Pier

As expected after his departure with Barako Bull Energy, Junel Baculi would be heading to the Global Port Batang Pier squad for the Commissioner's Cup. The Mikee Romero squad didn't place well in its first conference at 1 - 13 and Coach Junel hopes to change all that. Global Port would still be bannered by Gar David and Willie Miller.

Former national team head coach Rajko Toroman is now with Barako Bull Energy

After the co-coaching experiment with Petron Blaze Boosters didn't work (which lead to naming Olsen Racela as the sole head coach), Rajko Toroman went out of the spotlight for the SMC teams. He however has continuously expressed his desire to coach - which probably lead to the 2 year deal with Barako Bull Energy. It is a welcome addition for the team, however with one call in mind - they wish Coach Rajko will go easy on its aging players. 

 

Probably the most dramatic coaching change, Alfrancis Chua takes over head coaching duties for Ginebra, Siot demoted to lead assistant

The league's most popular team has not made it to the finals for a long time and a coaching change was deemed by the management necessary for Barangay Ginebra San Miguel to rise - now we would see Alfrancis Chua calling the shots for Ginebra, and Siot again was "demoted" to lead assistant. Whatever this change would bring, the Barangay Ginebra faithfuls would hope that it would bring their team back to the promise land.

PBA TRADES [to be updated]

CONFIRMED IMPORTS:
1. Petron Blaze - Renaldo Balkman
2. Air 21 Express - Michael Dunnigan
3. Barako Bull Energy Cola - Evan Brock
4. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters - Bruno Sundov
5. Global Port Batang Pier - Justin Williams
6. Alaska Aces -
7. San Mig Coffee Mixers -
8. Talk and Text Tropang Texters -
9. Meralco Bolts - Eric Dawson
10. Barangay Ginebra San Miguel - Herbert Hill

[Photos: Google Images - all rights credited to the owners]

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Chua now Ginebra's Coach, Siot is lead assistant

 

Just as we usher 2013, Ginebra announced one of the biggest changes for their lineup as Alfrancis Chua moves up as Ginebra's Coach replacing Siot Tanquincen with the hopes to bring Ginebra back to where it was expected to be.

 

According to Ginebra governor and PBA chairman Robert Non, Siot was informed of the management decision Tuesday. He would be asked to slide down to assistant coach with the same salary as he is receiving right now and plans would be made to where the former UST role player should be.

 

Tanquincen won three championships with Ginebra, but in the last 4 conferences, the talent-laden team has failed to make the finals, even with the MVP performance of Mark Caguioa.

 

Chua on the other hand might not have won the championship but he is marked to be a "player's coach", hoping to get Ginebra San Miguel back on track.

 

Photo: Google Images

 



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