Vargas confided to a Star source that they would first decide on the fate of their coaches before studying their options on the makeup of the team. He had earlier talked with the players Wednesday.
The source said the management is thinking on three possibilities — to keep Banal, replace him with current consultant Derrick Pumaren or tap someone else from outside the organization.
Chot Reyes’ name has been mentioned as a top candidate to take over from Banal. Apparently, Talk n Text players on the national team recommended Reyes to the management.
The Phone Pals were among the pre-tournament favorites owing to a formidable lineup which was further beefed up by the arrival of prized rookies Anthony Washington and Macmac Cardona. But the team failed to make it past the quarterfinals, bowing to a resurgent Air21. — Nelson Beltran