PBA: GlobalPort names Richie Ticzon interim coach

A week away from the 2013-14 PBA season opener, the GlobalPort Batang Pier have parted ways with head coach Junel Baculi, installing in his place interim coach Richie Ticzon.

In a text message to GMA News Online, Mikee Romero, team owner, said, "I am putting the future of our team in the hands of Richie Ticzon. It's a big risk for me as he is unproven. But I think he is a cerebral [sic] and a good motivator."

[Related: GlobalPort creates intriguing mix of youth and veterans]

Ticzon was an assistant to the departing Baculi, but does not possess any head coaching experience.

Baculi most recently piloted the GlobalPort squad to a 4-5 finish in the 2013 Governors' Cup, good for a quarterfinals berth, where they fell to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.

During the offseason, the team loaded up on draft picks, landing collegiate stars RR Garcia, Terrence Romeo and Nico Salva, while trading away veterans Gary David and Willie Miller, among other moves. - AMD, GMA News