Teletech okayed as guest PBL team

Teletech, an American-owned call center company, was officially accepted yesterday as guest team in the Philippine Basketball League for the season-opening conference on Mar. 25 at the San Andres Gym.

Butch Maniego, executive assistant to league commissioner Chino Trinidad, said the board chaired by Chito Loyzaga of Magnolia Dairy Ice Cream approved the application of Teletech as a guest team in the league.

"They (Teletech) will be playing this conference as a guest team," said Maniego.

He also announced the number of teams participating in the conference could remain at eight since Far Eastern Insurance, which played in the 2006 Heroes Cup, has yet to decide whether to field a squad.

"It could still be eight teams, not nine, because Far Eastern Insurance might be leaving. But we’re still waiting for a final word," he said.

Without the Insurers, the PBL will be left with Teletech, reigning Heroes Cup champion Magnolia, Rain or Shine, Harbour Centre, Granny Goose Tortillos, Toyota Otis, Montaña Pawnshop and Hapee Toothpaste-Philippine Christian U.

Former pro Jerry Codiñera will coach Teletech and is expected to attend today’s rookie draft at the league office in Mandaluyong City.

It marks the first time that Codiñera, a 16-year PBA veteran who is one of the 25 Greatest Players in the league, would coach a team and in a strong tournament like a PBL at that.

He played most of his years with Purefoods Hotdogs where he teamed up with now team manager Alvin Patrimonio in leading the franchise to numerous championships.

Codiñera also played for several national teams and in the PBL under the San Miguel Corp.-owned franchise back in the 80s where he also won a number of titles. He is also part of the University of the East squad that topped the 1984-1985 UAAP seasons.

He retired when FedEx traded him to Shell for Ronald Tubid last year. — Joey Villar