Baculi stays with Burger King, Gallent goes to Purefoods

MANILA, Philippines – Junel Baculi’s seven championships in the Philippine Basketball League is certainly hard to pass up for any team in the Philippine Basketball Association. So do Jorge Gallent’s six titles. Baculi and Gallent, two coaches under scrutiny by the Lina Group that took over the basketball affairs of Burger King, will definitely stay in the country’s premier pro league. Baculi will remain as the chief deputy to Yeng Guiao with Burger King while Gallent found himself joining Purefoods. Baculi and Gallent were associated with the group of Mikee Romero at Burger King, which was eased out of the team upon takeover of the group of Bert Lina. Erick Arejola, the previous team manager, also went out with Romero. But these personnel movements are just part and parcel of the latest happenings inside the Burger King’s camp. Even the color of the jersey and the team’s itself will be new from hereon and the Whopper management had already advised the PBA Office regarding such changes, according to a source. “That’s in line with the product promotion of their squad," said the source, who requested anonymity. “They want to change the team’s monicker from Titans to Whopper. Even the color of their jersey will be changed as well. Ayaw daw nila ng itim dahil bad luck yun sa business. They might start it by Friday, a refreshing look for Burger King." The same source also disclosed that Baculi will most likely stay as Guiao’s chief lieutenant on the bench. Baculi has won championships in the PBL while handling Hapee Toothpaste and Welcoat. He is definitely ripe enough to coach in the country’s premier pro league and working with Guiao will be a better opportunity to hone his skills further. Gallent is reportedly heading to the Tender Juicy Giants camp. He will finish his commitments with the Whopper until Friday. “Gallent’s bosom buddy told me that he should have been with Purefoods right away but because he had already promised coach Yeng that he will take care of the team’s practice, he was allowed to stay up to Friday. That goes to show the professionalism of Jorge," said the source. Burger King had back-to-back games on Wedneday against Barako Bull and Friday against Coca-Cola. –GMANews.TV