Published May 7, 2019, 10:18 AM Three former PBA coaches have taken their act to the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL). They are multi-titled coach Jong Uichico, Bong Ramos and Chris Gavina who will be calling shots for the Bataan Risers, Pampanga Lanterns, and Bacoor Strikers respectively.
A nine-time PBA champion coach and one of the few coaches to win championships on three different teams, Uichico succeeds Jojo Lastimosa. The Risers took the top seed in the recent Datu Cup before losing to the Manila Stars in the semifinal round of the northern division.
“I think the MPBL is good for me. Sometimes you just have to get out of your comfort zone and take on a new challenge. The level of competition in the MPBL is different, but I know I’m going to learn from this league,” said Uichico.
Like Uichico, Ramos and Gavina are also looking forward to the new challenges in their respective coaching careers.
“Ganun pa rin naman yan, limahan pa rin. Yng concept naman hindi binago, kailangan mong i-shoot yung bola and dumepensa. In the end, it’s still basketball, the game that we all love,” said Ramos.
“Whatever level it is, coaches are still driven by that purpose of teaching, learning and imparting his knowledge,” he added.
Ramos coached three different PBA teams (Air 21 Express, the Barako Bull Energy and the Blackwater Elite). Last season, the former Mapua standout was seen on the sidelines, working as a consultant for the Pampanga Lanterns.
He will now assume the head coaching post of the squad owned by Congressman Dong Gonzales and replace Aldrin Morante, who has moved on to Bacoor to help out Gavina.
Gavina is taking over a team that is now stacked with talent.
Previously a team regarded as a Gab Banal squad, the Strikers made key acquisitions in the offseason by bringing in All-Stars Michael Mabulac from Laguna, Ian Melencio from Imus and Paolo Castro from Parañaque. They also welcomed the return of Chris Sumalinog who concluded his stint with Alab Pilipinas in the ASEAN Basketball League.
The Strikers had also acquired collegiate standout Michael Canete from Arellano. Another addition is Matthew Aquino who will partner with his dad, Marlou Aquino. They become the first father and son tandem in the MPBL.
Tags: Aldrin Morante , Bacoor Strikers , Blackwater Elite , Bong Ramos , Chris Gavina , Chris Sumalinog , Dong Gonzales , Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League , Manila Stars , Marlou Aquino , Michael Canete , MPBL , Pampanga Lanterns , Paolo Castro , PBA , PBA teams
