The GlobalPort Batang Pier have embarked on a youth movement in the offseason, and that has extended to the team’s coaching staff.
The squad on Saturday confirmed its appointment of Richie Ticzon to call the shots for the team, replacing Junel Baculi.
“Management of GlobalPort has decided today to name Richie Ticzon as interim head coach,” team owner Mikee Romero said at the Hoops Center in Mandaluyong after the team’s practice game against the Alaska Aces. GlobalPort won the game 102-92.
“We explored a lot of coaches. We finally decided somebody new, somebody that doesn’t have a PBA head coaching experience. I will take the gamble. Kung saan kami dalhin ni Richie, I will take it. Manalo o matalo, I will take it.”
The charismatic team owner said he was looking at his alma mater La Salle’s coaching change as a model, after rookie coach Juno Sauler led the Green Archers to the UAAP title.
“I was looking at Coach Juno and what it did for La Salle. Why not us taking the gamble,” said Romero, who noted that he was impressed by Ticzon’s demeanor.
“I think he is a cerebral coach in such a way that he understands the game of basketball. I will take the big risk on him.”
Ticzon, who played in the PBA for Purefoods, Shell, and Alaska, was a star point guard for the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the early 1990s, earning the nickname “Velvet Touch” for his shooting skills.
GlobalPort rolls the dice with Ticzon despite him not having any high-level head coaching experience, in the PBA or otherwise.
Most recently, he was an assistant coach at Far Eastern University under coach Nash Racela. He also served as an assistant for the Energen Pilipinas youth teams coached by Nash’s brother Olsen Racela, where current GlobalPort team manager BJ Manalo also served as part of team management.
Ticzon was also an assistant in the PBA for San Miguel Beer under Jong Uichico and for the Coca-Cola Tigers under coach Binky Favis.
Joining Ticzon in the GlobalPort coaching staff is Eric Gonzales, another FEU assistant coach, as well as former Sta. Lucia point guard Mac Cuan and Lyceum coach Bonnie Tan. Glenn Capacio, who was the franchise’s first coach in the PBA, will also still be on the team.
Ticzon’s hiring continues the Tamaraws theme of the offseason for GlobalPort, which took FEU stars Terrence Romeo and RR Garcia in the draft earlier this week. The Batang Pier also bolstered their team with rookies Nico Salva, Justin Chua, LA Revilla, and Jopher Custodio.
Baculi’s departure comes just a week before the tipoff of the new PBA season. The veteran coach spent two conferences at the helm of the Batang Pier, taking over in the Commissioner’s Cup last season after coming over from Barako Bull.
Romero said he reached a buyout agreement on Friday night with Baculi, who had a contract with the team until 2015.
“Matagal ang pinagsamahan namin niyan. But he has also other commitment na kailangan niyang i-concentrate pa,” said Romero of Baculi, who also serves as athletic director of National University. — with a report from Rey Joble.
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