Meralco 5 to undergo buildup; Magsanoc eyed as deputy coach

Barely two days after making a big jump to join the newest ball club in the Philippine Basketball Association as its new coach and head of basketball operations, multi-titled mentor Ryan Gregorio has expressed his intentions to bring in probably the closest person he will work with. Yes, Gregorio, the three-time former Purefoods bench tactician, is planning to include Ronnie Magsanoc as his deputy, opening doors for a possible reunion of the two former University of the Philippines Maroons standouts. "Ronnie Magsanoc has yet to join the team, but I have already recommended him to the management," Gregorio told GMANews.TV in a telephone interview. "I would like to have somebody who is comfortable working with me and somebody who knows my philosophy." Magsanoc is the first person recommended by Gregorio to join his coaching staff. A few more names are expected to crop up beginning Monday. "What I need right now is a much-deserved rest," said Gregorio. "I will buckle down to work Monday and plan the direction our team is going, beginning the coming PBA Rookie Draft, where we pick third overall." Omolon, Aquino, Ross expected to play key roles Gregorio mentioned three important players on the active roster of Meralco – do-it-all forward Bitoy Omolon, incoming sophomore guard Chris Ross and veteran slotman Marlou Aquino. "Omolon will play a vital role in our defensive scheme. He will be my own version of Marc Pingris," said Gregorio. "He will be a big help, defending the best local players and in stopping the imports as well." The 6-foot-4 Omolon was a member of Sta. Lucia's last champion squad in the 2007-2008 All-Filipino Conference along with the 6-foot-9 Aquino. Aquino, a former Rookie of the Year, is playing at the twilight of his career, but Gregorio recognizes the value of the three-time PBA champion. "I’m excited on the fact that Marlou is staying. I believe there’s still enough gas left in his tank," said Gregorio. Ross, on the other hand, is a 6-foot-1 point guard and Gregorio thinks he can "dominate a game even when not scoring big." "Had Japeth Aguilar not join the Rookie Draft last season, we could have used Ross as our second pick overall as Air21 would most likely pick Rico Maierhofer," said Gregorio. "Ross is a victim of impatience as he was traded right away. We will be patient with him." The new Meralco mentor added that they will undergo massive buildup for the 36th season. "Players will be evaluated. Even the utility staff will be evaluated," he added. - JVP, GMANews.TV