Ramos calls the shots for Barako

MANILA, Philippines - Gerardo “Bong” Ramos has been re-installed as head coach in the Philippine Basketball Association, taking the reins at Barako Bull in lieu of Junel Baculi who may be heading for Globalport soon.

The Barako Bull management relieved Baculi with the Energy Cola now miring at joint eighth with the Petron Blaze Boosters at 3-6 (win-loss).

Team manager Raffy Casyao said they’re hoping the coaching change would help them salvage a spot in the eight-team Philippine Cup playoff phase.

Globalport team owner Mikee Romero, meanwhile, said they’re sticking it out with Glenn Capacio at least for the rest of the conference.

It’s no secret, though, that Romero is long after Baculi. They have had a winning manager-coach partnership, winning for the country gold medals in the 2006 SEABA Champions Cup and in the 2007 SEA Games.

Baculi may well take over from Capacio after the Philippine Cup.

Capacio and his Batang Pier languish in the cellar in the all-Filipino tourney with a poor 1-8 mark. They’re likely to miss the playoffs unless they’re able to make a strong run in the closing stage of the eliminations.

The Energy Cola hope to do just that with Ramos, who’s returning as head coach in pro play after calling the shots for FedEx and previously holding the rein at Barako on an interim basis.

Ramos, a former Mapua Cardinal, also used to handle teams in the Indonesian league and the Brunei Barraccudas in the Asean Basketball League.