Jun B: Jacobs stays as national team coach

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) has no plans of designating an acting head coach for the national team that will see action in next year’s Asian Games in Pusan, Korea while Ron Jacobs is recovering from a stroke he suffered last Sunday.

Commissioner Jun Bernardino, who tapped Jacobs to form, train and supervise the national team that will try to regain the Asiad crown in September, yesterday said the American mentor "remains to be and will be the national coach."

"But of course, prayers will help so let us all pray for his speedy recovery," added Bernardino of Jacobs who remains confined at the St. Luke’s Hospital in Quezon City.

Jacobs, who turns 59 today, is "making good progress" at the hospital where a "no-visitors" order is strictly being observed.

"It was a mild stroke," said the STAR source. He added that the Los Angeles, California native is conscious.

Among Jacobs’ assistants in the national team are Jong Uichico of San Miguel Beer, Allan Caidic of Ginebra and Eric Altamirano of Purefoods. Also lending a hand to the coaching staff are George Ella, Chris Calilan, Binky Favis, Siot Tanquincen and Boycie Zamar.

Last Dec. 10, Jacobs began supervising a series of tryouts for the national team to be composed mainly of PBA players and probably a few representing the MBA, the PBL or the amateur leagues.

But after five days, Jacobs ordered a Christmas break for the aspirants and announced that the tryouts would resume on Jan. 7 at the Moro Lorenzo Complex inside the Ateneo compound.