CSB's Del Rosario named as B-MEG's acting coach

Richard Del Rosario was named as the B-MEG Llamados' acting head coach in time for the opening of the PBA's All-Filipino Conference on October 2. This was according to San Miguel Corp. (SMC) head of basketball operations and Ginebra's PBA board governor Robert Non, who is currently in Hong Kong together with the entire PBA board for the league's annual planning session. B-MEG is one of the SMC franchise's teams in the PBA along with Petron and Ginebra. Del Rosario's appointment ended reports that Ginebra co-coach Jong Uichico will be named as the Llamados's new bench tactician. It also ended speculations that Alaska mentor Tim Cone will leave the Aces to join the SMC-owned franchise. Del Rosario's position is only on acting capacity since the former PBA cager is still coaching the College of Saint Benilde Blazers in the 87th NCAA. Jorge Gallent, the outgoing B-MEG bench tactician, will slide down as Del Rosario's assistant. Del Rosario served as Gallent's assistant with B-MEG last season and was a former deputy of ex-Rain or Shine mentor Caloy Garcia. In other news, Alaska team manager Joaqui Trillo denied media reports that Cone has decided to end his 23-year-old relationship with the Uytengsu-owned franchise. Cone has led Alaska to 13 championships including the league's last Grand Slam in 1996. "As far as I know, he (Cone) is still with us," Trillo said. "(Wednesday) will be our first day of practice for our rookie (players). And as far as I'm concerned, he will be there." Trillo will be returning to Manila on Wednesday and the Aces will have a press conference on Thursday. Reports have floated Tuesday that Cone, the PBA's winningest active coach, has already resigned from his post despite still having a two-year contract with Alaska. Rumors of Cone's resignation gave rise to speculations that he is one of the names included in a short list of candidates for B-MEG's top coaching post. Other candidates were Del Rosario, Uichico and Gee Abanilla. – JVP, GMA News