CEBUANO COACH Jun Tan was re-hired by Granny Goose Tortillos to handle its squad in the coming 2006 PBL Unity Cup where it hopes to finally fulfill its goal: Reach the finals.
Tan, one of the deadliest shooters to emerge from the South during the 80s, was largely credited for transforming Granny Goose Tortillos as one of the most successful squads – particularly in Cebu – in so short a time.
He will take the place of Joe Lipa, who was recently recalled by the University of the Philippines to coach the Maroons for the coming UAAP wars where the UP community is banking on Lipa’s experience to end the team’s long title drought.
Lipa, who inherited the coaching job from Tan late last year, steered the Maroons to one of the greatest wins in the colorful history of the UAAP when they gunned down a giant in the University of the East Warriors in 1986.
During their maiden campaign in 1994, Tan guided the team to a fourth place finish before finishing third in last year’s Unity Cup. Under Lipa, the Snackmasters also finished third in the Heroes Cup last February.
Tan will have former Montaña Pawnshop coach Robert Sison as his assistant this time. Albert Tan remains as the head of the team’s basketball operations while Pat Aquino keeps his post as team manager.
Sison had already submitted his resignation to the Montana management last week. The former San Beda star highlighted his stint with Montaña by guiding the Jewels to one championship and one runner-up finish.
"With his experience, Robert will be a big help to the team. He has long been in the business so his intensity and passion will surely help us accomplish our goal this time," said Aquino.
Aquino also announced that the team has acquired another prized player from Cebu in 5-foot-10 guard Mark Ababon to beef up their backcourt rotation.
Other new faces in the team are Paul Chua, son of Red Bull owner George Chua, Lloyd Ortigueza from Tacloban and former NCAA rookie of the year Kelvin dela Pena, who was taken from Harbour Centre in exchange for Chico Lanete.
JR Quiñahan will remain the focal point of the team’s run and gun game along with Abby Santos, Jireh Ibanez, Jam Alfad, Dennis Concha, Nestor David, Alfie Grijaldo and Jino Ferrer.
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