WILLY Wilson isn’t alone.
Titan Ultra likewise let go of coach Johnedel Cardel after just a conference at the helm of the new PBA franchise.
The former PBA player confirmed to SPIN.ph that he’s no longer with the Giant Risers, as the team is about to begin its preparation for its campaign in the coming Commissioner’s Cup.
Cardel, though, refused to elaborate on the parting of ways, and instead, expressed his gratitude to management of Titan Ultra for allowing him to handle the franchise in its first-ever conference in Asia’s pioneering pro league.
“Ok lang naman. Ganun talaga, e,” he quipped
The Giant Risers have yet to officially designate a replacement for Cardel, although deputy coach Rensy Bajar looms as the likely person to handle Calvin Abueva and Co.
Wilson suffered the same fate as Cardel after being given the pink slip by Phoenix after serving as Fuel Masters coach in the season-opening Philippine Cup.
READ: 'Heartbroken' Wilson going away to lick wounds after sudden Phoenix exit
Charles Tiu has since been named to call the shots for the 10-year-old franchise, which finished at 10th-place with a 3-8 record and failed to advance in the playoffs.
Cardel goes one-and-done
Titan Ultra did a little better at No. 9 with a 4-7 slate and was actually in the running for the eighth and last quarterfinals slot before its bid was torpedoed when Barangay Ginebra rallied back against Rain or Shine, 102-100, in Manama, Bahrain.
Despite being eliminated, Abueva emerged as the conference’s leading scorer with an average of 23.6 points to go with 11.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.2 blocks shots.
He also finished third in the race for the Best Player of the Conference.
Cardel’s coaching stint with the Giant Risers came following his six-year stay with the Terrafirma franchise.
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