PBA: Ravanes set to replace Abanilla as Beermen interim coach

Apart from replacing their franchise name, the Petron Blaze Boosters will likely be replacing their head coach when they return to the PBA Commissioner's Cup.

Biboy Ravanes is set to be named as interim head coach, replacing Gee Abanilla, a team source confirmed to GMA News Online. Abanilla instead will assume the role of team manager.

A long-time assistant with the franchise, Ravanes was last an interim head coach for the Beermen in the 2007 Fiesta Conference, later replaced by Siot Tanquingcen in the same tournament after a 0-3 start.

On the other hand, this is the second time that Abanilla has been replaced from a head coaching position in as many years, after failing to meet high expectations. After the De La Salle Green Archers lost in the 2013 FilOil quarterfinals, Abanilla was replaced by Juno Sauler and moved to helm the San Miguel Corporation-sponsored team, right before the last UAAP season began.

Similarly in the PBA, he steered Petron to the 2013 Governors' Cup finals and the Philippine Cup semifinals, but was let go after a disappointing 1-4 exit to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.

Abanilla had a collective 30-12 record as the head coach of the Boosters. - AMD, GMA News