PBA Stars Back In New Home

MANILA, Philippines - A number of former PBA superstars have turned the NCAA into their new home.

Former MVP Vergel Meneses made his collegiate basketball
debut as coach but got a rude welcome as his Jose Rizal Bombers absorbed a 52-68 beating at the hands of the San Beda Lions at the start of the 86th NCAA basketball tournament at the Aranete Coliseum yesterday.

“I guess we have to try again,” said the 41-year-old Meneses, who took over from Ariel Vanguardia late last year.

Meneses, who once beat the pros as a collegiate player in a slam dunk competition, was just one of the former PBA stars who made a jump from playing to coaching.

The others are Frankie Lim of San Beda, Ato Agustin of defending champion San Sebastian, Chito Victolero of Mapua and Richard del Rosario of College of St. Benilde.

Leo Isaac, who saw action for Shell and then with Ginebra, is also back as mentor of the Arellano U Chiefs after skipping last season to coach Barako Bull where he is now a consultant.

“It’s a good feeling coaching a college team again, it’s really feels different,” said Isaac.

Joey Villar, Philippine Star