IT looks like the coaching saga at Barangay Ginebra is far from over.
Sources said newly appointed coach Ato Agustin will only call the shots for Ginebra in the coming Governors Cup and will give way to current University of the East mentor Boycie Zamar at the start of next season.
Zamar is the latest addition to the Ginebra coaching staff, and is reportedly the personal choice of San Miguel Corp. big boss Ramon S. Ang who was impressed by his work with the Warriors in the college leagues.
However, the veteran coach is not available to step into the Ginebra job after Alfrancis Chua's surprise resignation since he is still tied down with the Red Warriors until the end of the UAAP season in October.
The season-ending Governors Cup kicks off on August 14.
The SMC plan, sources said, is to name Agustin as head coach of San Miguel Beer in the Asean Basketball League (ABL) after his stint with Ginebra, replacing Leo Austria who will take over at Petron.
Like Zamar, Austria, who led the Beermen to their maiden championship in the last ABL season, won't be available for a PBA head-coaching job until the end of his commitment with Adamson in the UAAP.
Spin.ph tried to contact San Miguel head of basketball operations Robert Non for confirmation on Friday, but he is not taking calls.
The development should come as a surprise to Ginebra's legion of fans, most of whom are expecting Chua to return to the head-coaching position beginning in next season's Philippine Cup.
The fiery mentor resigned last week but was persuaded by team management to take a leave of absence instead. He was appointed by Ang as Ginebra’s new team manager on Thursday.
If the plans push through, Chua will remain as team manager when Zamar takes over next season, which will kick off on November 17.
Chua is also unavailable for comment.
(For full story on Agustin's appointment, see Ato Agustin named new Ginebra coach as Chua moves up to team manager)
However, it is unclear if the plans are cast in stone or flexible enough to be changed if Agustin comes up with an impressive performance with the Gin Kings in the Governors Cup.
Agustin led Petron to the Governors Cup championship two seasons ago.
Meanwhile, American coach Todd Purves is expected to arrive on Friday from a scouting job with the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA Summer League to join the Petron coaching staff.
The former Indonesia Warriors head coach in the ABL has been named as Petron’s new team consultant where he is expected to guide interim coach Gee Abanilla.
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