Phil Mercader (11), seen in action in this November 2012 file photo, has been tapped as the new head coach of the University of the Visayas Baby Green Lancers. (CDN FILE PHOTO)
In a stunning and unforeseen development, the University of the Visayas (UV) Baby Lancers have changed coaches mid season, elevating erstwhile assistant coach Phil Mercader to the position of head coach in time for their much-awaited showdown with defending champion Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu today in the 16th Cesafi basketball tournament.
The decision was divulged to Cebu Daily News by no less than team manager and Cebu First District Representative Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas who refused to cite his reason for making the change.
Instead, he said it was a “personal decision” of his to demote erstwhile head coach Abel Bongcaras to assistant coach and promote Mercader.
“(I) made a decision today. Talked to Coach Bongkie and Coach Mercader as well. Starting tomorrow (today), Bongkie will slide down to assistant coach and Phil Mercader will start calling the shots for the Baby Lancers,” said the affable sportsman and politician in a text message.
Mercader had previously been a star guard for the Baby Lancers and the Green Lancers before a brief career in the amateur circuit.
He recently joined the coaching staff of the Baby Lancers, who are currently running second behind the Magis Eagles and the University of Cebu Baby Webmasters in the standings of the juniors basketball tournament.
Known for his rugged and smart play, Mercader is expected to give the underachieving Baby Lancers a shot in the arm in their bid to dethrone the three-time defending champions Ateneo de Cebu.
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