IT appears the reorganization at Titan Ultra isn’t restricted to players, but coaches as well.
Raymond Valenzona now acts as interim coach of the Giant Risers in lieu of Rensy Bajar, as the team resumed its campaign in the PBA 50th Season Governors’ Cup on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Giant Risers are 2-7 prior to the long break with three games left in their elimination round schedule, including the ongoing game against Converge at the Big Dome.
The coaching change came in the aftermath of massive personnel changes effected by the franchise during the season respite that saw it let go of Jeo Ambohot, Damie Cuntapay, and Jerrick Balanza.
Other than Bajar, also let go were deputies Jerson Cabiltes and Mike Fermin.
Valenzona will be the third man at the helm for Titan Ultra this season, which had seen Johnedel Cardel handle the Giant Risers in the first conference Philippine Cup before Bajar took over in the midseason Commissioner’s Cup.
Turo's tutelage
The interim Giant Risers coach, of course, has coaching pedigree in his blood, being the son of multi-titled mentor Turo Valenzona.
The young Valenzona is a champion coach in his own humble way.
He steered the San Sebastian to four straight NCAA juniors championships from 2005 to 2008 behind a team bannered by Paul Lee.
The new Titan Ultra coach also called the shots for the Letran Squires, served as assistant coach for the San Sebastian seniors team and head coach for Muntinlupa, Imus, and Zamboanga in the MPBL, as well as Cagayan Valley Rising Suns in the defunct PBA D-League.
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