Serbian gets nod to coach RP team

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and Serbian coach Rajko Toroman have come to terms, striking a deal where the former Iranian national coach is to run the long-term program for the Philippine team geared towards a stint in the Olympics in London in 2012.

“We haven’t signed the contract yet but he’s accepted our offer with a few minor revisions. He’ll handle our program for the national team as well as help in the development of the local coaches,” said SBP executive director Noli Eala.

“He’ll handle the SBP program for the national team outside of the PBA-formed RP team for the FIBA-Asia championship next year. But he’ll also offer assistance to coach Yeng Guiao,” Eala added.

Eala said Toroman already has a few players in mind for the national pool since he has watched a few UAAP and NCAA games.

The SBP official mentioned Ateneo’s Rabeh Al-Hussaini, Nonoy Baclao, Chris Tiu and Ryan Buenafe, La Salle’s Rico Maierhofer and Jayvee Casio, San Beda’s Ogie Menor and Jake Pascual, Jose Rizal’s Mark Sena and John Wilson and San Sebastian’s Arvie Bringas as among the players that impressed Toroman.

“He feels Arvy Bringas will be the stalwart of the RP team in the future,” said Eala making special mention of the 6-foot-6 Bringas who’s just completed his stint in the NCAA juniors play.

“He’s also impressed with Kelvin dela Peña. He’s wondering if we can encourage him to serve the national team first before eventually turning pro,” Eala said of the 2007 NCAA MVP awardee already set to join Alaska Milk in the PBA.

Eala and Toroman are going to Cebu today to also check on the Cebuano players.

Toroman, the engineer of Iran’s stint in the recent Beijing Olympics, is going home Wednesday and is returning Oct. 20 to immediately start his job here. His contract with the SBP takes effect Oct. 15.

“We’re very happy with this partnership as we believe he can help us. He’s also happy and upbeat, believing the Philippines has a good chance to achieve its goal of a return stint in the Olympics,” said Eala.

“It’s not the monetary consideration that clinched it for coach Rajko but the opportunity to work in a country with the same passion as his for basketball,” Eala also said.

The SBP executive director didn’t divulge the financial details of their agreement. It will be a three-year contract with an option for an extension should the Philippines make the 2012 Olympics.