Purefoods coach named in 24 hours

The next Purefoods coach will be known in 24 hours.

Tender Juicy Hot Dogs team manager Rene Pardo told The STAR yesterday there are three candidates for the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) job but declined to disclose who they are. One of the candidates was called to the Purefoods office for an interview late yesterday afternoon.

While Purefoods management was locked in serious discussion to study the credentials of the three candidates, an unlikely fourth option emerged last night. Former Purefoods playing coach Ramon Fernandez announced he’s available, too. "I’ve got unfinished business at Purefoods," he said, referring to his near-championship at the Hot Dogs helm several years back. Fernandez added that he’s open to a contract of two years after which he’ll turn over the reins to the next in line.

Since Derick Pumaren left Purefoods to join Tanduay last week, the Hot Dogs’ head coaching position has been vacant. Ryan Gregorio was hired as an assistant coach a few days ago and is conducting the Purefoods practices until a head coach is named.

Pardo said all the players, except Andy Seigle who arrived from the US only last night, have been attending Gregorio’s practices. Even the free agents — Rommel Daep, Jesse Cabanayan, and Braulio Lim — were invited. So far, the only addition to the Purefoods lineup is Marc Victoria who was released by Pop Cola without consideration.

Sources said Purefoods attempted to sign up Shell coach Perry Ronquillo but backed off because he still has a live contract with the Turbo Chargers. Mobiline coach Louie Alas was also in Purefoods’ wish list but he, too, has an existing contract.

Among the candidates rumored to be in contention for the Purefoods job are Joel Banal, Eric Altamirano and Philip Cezar.

Meanwhile, only six players showed up at the first Tanduay practice the other day. They were Jomer Rubi, Jason Webb, Dondon Hontiveros, Zaldy Realubit, Derick Bughao, and newly-acquired Benny Cheng who was cut by Sta. Lucia Realty.

Jeffrey Cariaso and Eric Menk are due to arrive from the US this week. Reserve guard Allan Yu has reportedly left the team to join the Cebu Gems in the Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA). Another Tanduay player George Gallent may join the Gems as assistant coach under Tonichi Yturri.

At Shell, team manager Bobby Villarosa said Benjie Paras remains unsigned but continues to practice. He said he hopes Paras will come to terms on a new five-year deal.

Villarosa confirmed that Jay Mendoza, Brix Encarnacion, and Rommel Santos have been released. He also said two teams were interested in trading for Mark Telan but couldn’t strike an acceptable deal. The players being offered for Telan, continued Villarosa, were either too old or too expensive. He said age and salary are the two key elements to consider in negotiating a trade.

Villarosa disclosed that Jun Marzan’s contract has been renewed and Jojo Lim were reacquired from the MBA. Earlier, Shell picked up Fil-Am Rob Wainwright from Sta. Lucia. Gerry Esplana was inked to a fresh five-year contract during last season, added Villarosa.

Shell has the No. 2 overall pick in Sunday’s draft. It also has the option on Purefoods’ No. 9 slot from the Noy Castillo trade but may choose not to exercise it for the Hot Dogs’ 2002 pick instead.

"We’re looking for a legitimate center - that’s what we need," said Villarosa. "Of course, Mike Hrabak is top of mind at this point because he’s 6-7. Whom we’ll pick depends on whom Red Bull picks. If Red Bull picks (Willie) Miller, will we get (John) Arigo? I don’t know. It’s up to Perry. We don’t know how good Hrabak is - he’s arriving Saturday night or Sunday morning. I don’t know if we’ll get a chance to size him up before the draft."

The talk is Shell is paying for Hrabak’s plane fare from the US as well as his agent Rey Yncierto’s. Yncierto played 26 games in two years for Pepsi in the PBA and retired in 1991. He now lives in Oxnard, California.