Racela replaces Baculi as B Pier coach?

MANILA, Philippines - Globalport first acquired FEU stars RR Garcia and Terrence Romeo from the recent PBA Rookie Draft then brought FEU assistant coaches Richie Ticzon and Eric Gonzales over to the Batang Pier camp.

Next could be FEU head coach Nash Racela who might be tapped to take the reins at Globalport, replacing Junel Baculi.

Globalport team owner Mikee Romero has reportedly mulling to terminate the services of Baculi with either Racela, his brother Olsen and Alaska assistant coach Alex Compton as possible replacement.

At press time, a team insider said they’re finalizing their decision.

“We’ve overhauled our roster and we might as well tap a new, younger coach to handle the team for a fresh start,” the source quoted Romero as saying.

Nash Racela and Compton were the top choices, but Alaska team owner Wilfred Uytengsu had said he’s not letting Compton leave his live contract with the Aces.

Alaska head coach Luigi Trillo, meanwhile, said Compton had turned down Globalport’s offer.

“We all signed after the second conference. Fred (Uytengsu) signed our staff to two more years with the idea that our assistants could focus with us,” Trillo also said.

This leaves Globalport with a choice only between the Racela brothers.

Ticzon and Gonzales moving over to Globalport could be an indication, though, that it would be Nash.

Globalport signed as assistant coaches Ticzon and Gonzales along with former La Salle player Mac Cuan. Designated as first assistant is Ticzon, a former Ateneo Eagle who had a seven-year stint as a pro playing for Purefoods, Shell and Alaska.

Ricky Dandan is gone while Glenn Capacio has been relegated to being just skills coach.

Meanwhile, Globalport management finished their contractual negotiations with their draft recruits, signing Nico Salva to a two-year deal. The former Ateneo forward will receive a monthly pay of P130,000 in the coming season and P170,000 in the next campaign.

Over at Alaska, signed to one-year pacts were Ryan Buenafe and Chris Exciminiano.

Franz Pumaren is another coach in the eyes of Romero, according to a Globalport source.

“The problem is that he’s tied up with Air21. If he were available, there would no longer be long meetings and deliberation. He would be our coach,” said the source.