IN serious pursuit of the province’s first-ever MPBL championship, the Pampanga Giant Lanterns have engaged the services of coach Rajko Toroman.
During a visit to the Giant Lanterns’ Friday practice, SPIN.ph was surprised to see Toroman running the drills while head coach and Pampanga Governor Dennis Pineda is still on his way back to the country from an official trip abroad.
And as expected, Toroman, who is also a consultant of Converge in the PBA and College of St. Benilde in the NCAA, injected some of his known Euro plays in the span of two days working with the team.
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“Use our big guys. Don’t just shoot the three points. If you shoot the three points, you miss the chance to be stronger. And we are the best rebounding team in the league,” Toroman was heard saying in the final huddle.
Even the coaching staff of Pineda rolled out the red carpet for Toroman, who they say is very disciplined and technical.
“Maganda yung mga technology na binigay ni coach Rajko. Saka as usual, heavy drills para ihanda yung mga players sa matinding bakbakan,” said longtime Pampanga sports consultant and former San Sebastian coach Allan Trinidad.
Toroman is said to be encouraging players to refrain from too much dribbling and to ‘always look for their big men’.
“I was telling them to find their big men underneath. It is their strength,” he said while mentioning Justine Baltazar (6-8), Arwind Santos (6-4), JB Bahio (6-6), Allen Liwag (6-7) and Louie Sangalang (6-6), all agile for their size.
“They have one of the best big guys in the Philippines. Justine Baltazar is a good player. Former PBA MVP Arwind Santos is also here, I was not surprised they are here in the finals,” he added on the eve of Game One against the Bacoor City Strikers.
Rajko believes in Pampanga's big men
Up against the Strikers’ frontline of Jhay Eguilos (6-6) and Jammer Jamito (6-5), the former head coach of the Gilas Pilipinas program believes Pampanga’s big men will make the biggest difference in the series.
The Strikers are also parading former PBA players Chito Jaime (6-4) andc Mark Yee and former San Beda star guard James Kwekuteye.
Asked if Pampanga can build a dynasty in the MPBL, Toroman was optimistic.
“They are the best team. I hope they will win the MPBL title in the next 10 days,” said the 68-year old Serbian coach.
“I was just trying to help the team. They have a very formidable lineup and they have a big chance of winning the championship,” said Toroman.
Toroman also shared that his contract in the Philippines, particularly with Converge, was extended but he is set for a renegotiation in January.
“I enjoy working here. This country is for me ‘the home of basketball.' I feel very good here. I feel the respect of people. I really enjoy here,” he said smiling.
“This is the best country of basketball in the world. Everybody likes basketball, people recognize you. Where in the world can you find a small country with so many basketball leagues. We have PBA, MPBL, NCAA, UAAP, PSL, Vismin then there are also leagues for high school and young ones,” he said.
Asked if there has been any contact from Gilas, Toroman's mood changed.
“I think that’s already an ended story. They have other plans, no calls, whatsoever. I am happy with this job I have right now as I was able to return to Manila and the Philippines after ten years,” Toroman said.
“As long as I am in the Philippines. I am happy. I feel very good here,” he said with a renewed smile.
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