SERBIAN mentor Djordje Jovicic has returned to Converge to become part of the coaching staff led by Delta Pineda once the PBA 50th Season Governors’ Cup resumes this month.
Jovicic was spotted at the FiberXers bench during their tuneup game against Blackwater Thursday at the Ronac Gym, with team governor Archen Cayabyab confirming the development.
READ: Blackwater beats Converge in last tuneup before Govs' Cup resumes
Cayabyab said Jovicic had a recent job in Indonesia that had already ended, paving the way for the veteran coach’s return to the Converge bench.
“Binabalik namin siya. Siya kasi talaga ‘yung defensive coach namin. Kinuha siya ng Indonesia, natapos ‘yung contract niya, onboard uli siya,” he said.
Jovicic's role
Cayabyab said Jovicic was a vital part of the FiberXers coaching staff during the 49th Season Philippine Cup where they placed fourth in the elimination round, before bowing to Barangay Ginebra in the quarterfinals.
Despite the premature exit, it was one of the franchise's best conferences, prompting management to bring back Jovicic.
“Nung onboard siya, maganda ‘yung tinakbo ‘yung team. Nung nawala, nanibago rin ‘yung mga players. Kinuha uli namin, baka-sakaling makatulong,” said Cayabyab.
Once action resumes in the conference, Converge is out to maintain its form at third-place in Group A with a 5-4 record.
Jovicic was previously joined at the sidelines by Rajko Toroman, who is still in Serbia dealing with health issues, according to Cayabyab.
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