THE missing piece of the puzzle?
College of St. Benilde is determined more than ever to end a 22-year dry spell and tapped former Gilas Pilipinas coach Rajko Toroman as team consultant yesterday to help the team realize that long cherished dream.
“I’m absolutely thrilled. It’s coming full circle for me. I’ve always wanted to work with him again because he’s like a father figure to me,” CSB coach Charles Tiu said. “Before bringing coach Zoran (Martic) on board, I had actually invited coach Rajko.
“However, he had commitments in Bahrain and wanted to watch his grandson compete for the Serbian U-16 national team,” he added.
Toroman, 68, called the shots for the initial Gilas program from 2009 to 2011.
After his stint with the Philippine five, Toroman coached Petron and Barako Bull in the PBA, with Tiu a member of his coaching staff.
Toroman will be joining Paolo Layug, Carlo Tan, Gabby Severino, Marvin Bienvenida, and JC Cullar on Tiu’s brain thrust.
“We are delighted to welcome coach Rajko Toroman to the College of Saint Benilde family. His wealth of experience and strategic insights will undoubtedly elevate our team’s performance,” Blazers team manager Jacob Lao said.
“With coach Rajko’s guidance, we are confident in reaching new heights in the world of college basketball.”
Aside from his CSB job, Toroman will also conduct coaching clinics across the country, aligning with the main goal of Strong Group Athletics–elevate Philippine basketball.
“At Strong Group Athletics, our mission is clear: to uplift Philippine basketball to greater heights. With this goal in mind, we’re excited to have Serbian coach Rajko Toroman on board. His expertise will not only benefit our team but also the basketball community as a whole,” Strong Group Athletics owner and top CSB backer Frank Lao said.
“Coach Rajko will generously conduct coaching clinics nationwide during his free time, strengthening the sport at every level and empowering aspiring athletes and coaches across the country.”
