There have been two developments in the local basketball scene for the past week. One is the appointment of Yeng Guiao as the PBA backed national team head coach and the desperate radical move to improve our brand of basketball… the introduction of Serbian coach Rajko Toroman.
Who is Rajko Toroman?Toroman is Serbian and he coaches professional basketball. His recent exploit was coaching Iran to its first ever victory in the Fiba Asia Championships (held every two years) last year 2007, which earned them a spot at the recent summer Olympics. Philippines won the Fiba Asia Championships 5 times in 1960 (first tournament), ’63, ’67, 1973 and lastly 1985 and is second to China with the most wins with 14. Iran’s best finish prior to winning the tournament was at 4th place back in 1993. In 2005, Iran finished 6th and in two years time under the helm of Toroman have finally sealed the deal. Philippines finished 9th in 2007… will Toroman’s formula for success work for us?
Bullheaded Yeng GuiaoYeng Guiao is undoubtedly one of the best homegrown coaches around. Physicality in defense is what I remember of his style. He’s simply discipline personified like when he asked his boys to shave their heads years ago if they wouldn’t shape up. Come to think of it, he never grown some hair since then which is kind of sinister or simply… because he liked it. We all know that a decent defense would translate to offense and his mettle would surely be tested when it comes to international play.
Philippine Basketball would surely benefit from these two good coaches if… they can work together. But early on, there’s already a problem brewing since Yeng Guiao was appointed head coach and Toroman’s appointment is not yet clear. Yeng Guiao as reported has demanded an explanation or clarification on Toroman’s appointment from SBP (Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas). From the way I see it, Yeng Guiao is an achiever on his own and is more effective when he’s calling the shots. His appointment at this time however is ill advised since he’s too busy trying to boot out Gov. Ed Panlilio from the helm of Pampanga. Hmmm and I sense a pattern here… he might also try to boot out Toroman in the guise of being patriotic!
Bullheaded Guiao or Toroman (forgive the pun)… let’s wait what happens.
