Already with a talent-laden squad even made formidable with the entry of 6-foo-10 Jun Mar Fajardo, Petron Blaze has revamped its coaching staff, letting go of head mentor Renato Agustin to make way for long-time San Miguel guard Olsen Racela as his replacement and the inclusion of former Smart Gilas Pilipinas coach Rajko Toroman as team consultant.
Agustin bows out after leading the Boosters to last season’s Governors’ Cup crown and two Finals stints. But he has largely been put to task for not being able to make the most out of Petron’s powerhouse lineup, resulting in a dismal showing in the 37th season.
The 1992 MVP is reportedly keen on concentrating on his political career and is planning to run as vice mayor of his hometown San Fernando, Pampanga where he already sits as a councilor.
It will be a mix of youth and experience at the Petron bench this time.
Racela, who retired from the league two years ago, has been handling the Energen Pilipinas national youth team while Toroman is a jaded tactician.
“I will be more active this time,” said the Serbian who had actually been working the sidelines for the San Miguel group’s PBA teams, namely, Petron, B-Meg and Barangay Ginebra.
In a recent interview, Toroman said he expects a better performance from the Boosters with former Smart Gilas wards Chris Lutz and Marcio Lassiter returning to top shape.
“We’re already a talented team and we have become more talented with the acquisition of new players,” he said.
The Boosters tabbed Fajardo as the No. 1 pick in the 2012 Rookie Draft last Sunday and got even stronger when they chose Alex Mallari, a tough 6-foot-5 wingman, as the No. 3 pick.