Pido named Globalport new coach

MANILA, Philippines - Thirteen years after ending a long 16-year playing career in the pros, Pido Jarencio is returning in the PBA as head coach of the Globalport Batang Pier.

Jarencio officially tendered yesterday his resignation as coach of the UST Tigers in the collegiate leagues and accepted Globalport’s offer to take over from Ritchie Ticzon.

“We signed him to a two-year contract, which can be extended,” Globalport team owner Mikee Romero told The STAR.

“At last, we already have a head coach that will go with me for the long term,” Romero also said.

The amiable businessman/sportsman said he’s giving Jarencio a free hand to form the team he will handle starting the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

“Coach Pido will evaluate the existing team this week and he will give his recommendation,” said Romero.

“Coach Pido will also have a free hand to choose his assistants. He will interview all of them tomorrow. He will be bringing in some UST assistants,” Romero also said.

Under interim coach Ticzon, the Batang Pier actually had a decent 4-3 start in the Philippine Cup before floundering upon the ouster of main frontline player Jay Washington due to a foot injury.

They wound up seventh in the elimination round and bowed to the second-ranked Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 96-106, in the quarterfinals.

They lost several close matches, most of these blamed on Ticzon’s lack of experience.

Ticzon was tapped as an interim Globalport coach after the team failed to sign up Nash Racela and Alex Compton to take over from Junel Baculi. Ticzon came in without an experience as bench chieftain even in the collegiate leagues.