After Joel Banal resigned "over the weekend", the Alaska Aces have tapped Luigi Trillo as their interim head coach via press release.
Banal steps aside for Aces
Luigi Trillo appointed interim Head Coach
Joel Banal stepped aside over the weekend to give Alaska Aces management an opportunity to explore coaching alternatives. "The goal of the Alaska franchise is to be in the semis of every conference and we did not meet that goal in the past two conferences, so I wanted to give management the chance to look at options." Banal said. Coach Banal met with team owner Wilfred Steven Uytengsu and Aces General Manager Joaqui Trillo last Friday to discuss the situation.
"Joel's selflessness to offer us options is extremely magnanimous on his part. It speaks volumes for how professional he is putting the team's interest ahead of his own." Uytengsu stated. "Joel heeded our call when Tim abruptly asked to be released from his live contract (intimating he wanted time away from coaching) and Joel stepped in at our request with very short notice and worked hard to continue Alaska's success. Unfortunately, it did not go the way we had wanted." Uytengsu added. Banal thanked Alaska for the opportunity to serve as Head Coach and will continue to support his other interests in education.
The Aces finished 9th in the First Conference and failed to advance past the quarter finals in the Second Conference. It should be noted, however, that Alaska was missing three key players in team captain Tony de la Cruz and Brandon Cablay who were both out due to back surgeries and Wesley Gonzalez who was still recovering from knee surgery and only saw action in the middle of the conference. Hans Thiele and Ariel Mapana were also out with lower back ailments.
"Given that we are two-thirds through the season, we felt it made more sense to appoint an interim Head Coach and then decide on a longer term solution after the end of this season." Aces General Manager said. Uytengsu and Trillo met with Aces assistant coaches Jojo Lastimosa and Luigi Trillo who were the 2 main candidates for the interim position. "Both Jolas and Luigi are long time members of the franchise and they understand our philosophy, values and systems so it made sense we would appoint from within our organization.
It was a tough choice because both candidates have a lot to offer and in the end I decided to go with Luigi because he has had head coaching experience in the PBL and the D League. Joaqui inhibited himself in the final decision because he was conflicted being Luigi's father. I believe Jojo will continue to be a team player and because he has a lot to offer from his playing experience and also wants to see the Aces resume its winning tradition." Uytengsu remarked.
This will be the first time a father-son tandem will manage and coach a team in the PBA. Dicky Bachmann will continue to split duties as an assistant coach and assistant manager to the team.
"I'd like to thank Mr. Uytengsu and the Alaska organization for entrusting me with this position. Alaska has a winning tradition and we look forward to the challenges ahead. We can't wait to get started." Luigi Trillo commented.
The Aces also announced they will be bringing back Jason Forte as their import for the third conference. " Jason is very excited to be coming back. He told us he has unfinished business here and wants to help bring us to the Finals." Joaqui Trillo emphasized. Forte brought the Aces to a tie for the second spot in the Finals of the Governor's Cup in 2011 but lost out due to the quotient system.
Contact person : CK Kanapi
8404500 Ext. 205 ; CMKanapi@alaskamilk.com.ph
Read Alsaka Aces, Press Release Statement:
Banal steps aside for Aces
Luigi Trillo appointed interim Head Coach
Joel Banal stepped aside over the weekend to give Alaska Aces management an opportunity to explore coaching alternatives. "The goal of the Alaska franchise is to be in the semis of every conference and we did not meet that goal in the past two conferences, so I wanted to give management the chance to look at options." Banal said. Coach Banal met with team owner Wilfred Steven Uytengsu and Aces General Manager Joaqui Trillo last Friday to discuss the situation.
"Joel's selflessness to offer us options is extremely magnanimous on his part. It speaks volumes for how professional he is putting the team's interest ahead of his own." Uytengsu stated. "Joel heeded our call when Tim abruptly asked to be released from his live contract (intimating he wanted time away from coaching) and Joel stepped in at our request with very short notice and worked hard to continue Alaska's success. Unfortunately, it did not go the way we had wanted." Uytengsu added. Banal thanked Alaska for the opportunity to serve as Head Coach and will continue to support his other interests in education.
The Aces finished 9th in the First Conference and failed to advance past the quarter finals in the Second Conference. It should be noted, however, that Alaska was missing three key players in team captain Tony de la Cruz and Brandon Cablay who were both out due to back surgeries and Wesley Gonzalez who was still recovering from knee surgery and only saw action in the middle of the conference. Hans Thiele and Ariel Mapana were also out with lower back ailments.
"Given that we are two-thirds through the season, we felt it made more sense to appoint an interim Head Coach and then decide on a longer term solution after the end of this season." Aces General Manager said. Uytengsu and Trillo met with Aces assistant coaches Jojo Lastimosa and Luigi Trillo who were the 2 main candidates for the interim position. "Both Jolas and Luigi are long time members of the franchise and they understand our philosophy, values and systems so it made sense we would appoint from within our organization.
It was a tough choice because both candidates have a lot to offer and in the end I decided to go with Luigi because he has had head coaching experience in the PBL and the D League. Joaqui inhibited himself in the final decision because he was conflicted being Luigi's father. I believe Jojo will continue to be a team player and because he has a lot to offer from his playing experience and also wants to see the Aces resume its winning tradition." Uytengsu remarked.
This will be the first time a father-son tandem will manage and coach a team in the PBA. Dicky Bachmann will continue to split duties as an assistant coach and assistant manager to the team.
"I'd like to thank Mr. Uytengsu and the Alaska organization for entrusting me with this position. Alaska has a winning tradition and we look forward to the challenges ahead. We can't wait to get started." Luigi Trillo commented.
The Aces also announced they will be bringing back Jason Forte as their import for the third conference. " Jason is very excited to be coming back. He told us he has unfinished business here and wants to help bring us to the Finals." Joaqui Trillo emphasized. Forte brought the Aces to a tie for the second spot in the Finals of the Governor's Cup in 2011 but lost out due to the quotient system.
Contact person : CK Kanapi
8404500 Ext. 205 ; CMKanapi@alaskamilk.com.ph
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar