Gonzalez in, Meneses out as Heavy Bombers coach

MANILA, Philippines — Jose Rizal University has tapped Louie Gonzalez as its new head coach, replacing Vergel Meneses, who has opted to focus on the mayoral race in Bulacan in May’s national elections.

Gonzalez has started conducting team practices last April 1 as the Bombers gear up for the Filoil pre-season tournament next month as part of their buildup for the 95th NCAA wars in July.

Meneses posted an 84-81 (win-loss) record in nine seasons that saw the Bombers make it to the post season five times.

“JRU is pleased to announce the appointment of Louie Gonzalez as head coach,” said JRU athletic moderator and league board representative Paul Supan in a statement.

Gonzalez, who will bring in a staff made up of Eddie Laure, Eric dela Cuesta, Nixon Ramos and JRU high school coach Vic Lazaro, handled La Salle in the UAAP the last time out, succeeding Aldin Ayo, who moved over to UST.

With the Archers, Gonzalez compiled an 8-6 (win-loss) record and failed to steer the team to the Final Four last season, losing in the playoff for the No. 4 semis berth.

But he’s out to prove his worth with a JRU team out to improve on its 10th and last-placed finish a season ago.

“Coach Louie has had over two decades of top-level coaching in the NCAA and UAAP and has been on numerous championship teams. He’s also widely involved in the grassroots development of basketball in the Philippines,” said Supan.