It's Perasol for Ateneo after all

MANILA, Philippines -- Bo Perasol has come in and out and back again as Ateneo's new coach.

The former Powerade coach is reportedly set to assume the headcoaching position of the Ateneo Eagles anytime on Monday that would end a search that has taken the Jesuit-ran school more than a month to complete.

Perasol, whose biggest moment as PBA coach was when he steered an underdog Powerade squad in last year's Phl Cup finals only to loss to heavy favorite Talk N' Text, though neither confirmed nor denied he's taking over saying it's up to Ateneo to make the official announcement.

"I can't comment right now, it will be up to Ateneo to make the official announcement on this," said Perasol, a former UAAP player himself having captained the State U Maroons in the early 90s.

Perasol has actually met with Ateneo president Fr. Jett Villarin, SJ, yesterday and may have gotten the latter's final blessing during that meeting.

Perasol was supposed to have taken over as early as late last month, or a couple of weeks after Ateneo copped its fifth straight UAAP championship with a two-game sweep of the Santo Tomas Tigers.

Norman Black, who steered the Loyola-based dribblers to a five-peat feat, is now coach of Talk N' Text.

But because of the relationship of Ateneo and its top patron Manny V. Pangilinan, or MVP to everyone, that has gotten sour, Perasol had to beg off and the Eagles management obliged by rescinding his three-year contract.

After weeks of talks and tenuous search, Ateneo has decided to pick Perasol after all.

There were some talks that Perasol's return may have been because Ateneo and MVP may have renewed their relationship.
But none of both camps confirmed nor denied this.

Without Black, Gabby Severino has handled the coaching chores temporarily and helped Ateneo finished second in last month's University Games in Bacolod City and perhaps a finals or title-repeat in the Phl Collegiate Champions League if they end up beating reigning NCAA titlist San Beda in a semis game at press time.

Perasol will be one of the new faces in the UAAP next season along with Talk N' Text and Energen Pilipinas assistant Nash Racela, who has taken over Far Eastern U as successor to Bert Flores.