Jaworski  tapped to coach Air21

Barring any hitches, cage legend Robert Jaworski is returning to the Philippine Basketball Association next season to call the shots for the Air21 Express.

“We have a big story to announce next week,” Air21 president Lito Alvarez told The STAR, hinting that they’re close to finalizing a deal with Jaworski whom they’ve long been pursuing to handle their team.

The two parties could settle everything as they meet again Wednesday in an undisclosed location. This meeting is also to be attended by Air21 chairman Bert Lina.

“Hopefully, we can finally reach an agreement since we want the team to start training by Aug. 1. I really want coach Jawo to handle the team. Hindi na rin naman siguro nakakahiyang ipahawak sa kanya ang lineup namin,” said Alvarez.

Negotiations between the ball club and Jaworski have been going on for months now although it was shelved during the recent elections where the cage icon supported the failed bid of his son Dodot for the Pasig mayoralty.

With the election over, it seems the only thing standing in the way of Jaworski’s return to the PBA is a possible offer for government position.

“That’s my worry. Maraming pinag-resign na heads of government offices and corporations. He may be offered to replace any of them,” said Alvarez.

At Air21, coach Bo Perasol has long been saying he’s always ready to slide down to assistant coach for Jaworski’s entry.

“Just to sit beside him on our bench would be a big honor for me,” said Perasol.

Jaworski has been away from the PBA since severing his ties with Barangay Ginebra in 1999. He had steered the former La Tondena team to four championships.

If ever, he would have under his care at Air21 up-and-coming stars Gary David, Arwind Santos, KG Canaleta and Ranidel de Ocampo.