Red Bull names ex-cage star Isaac new coach

MANILA, Philippines - Leo Isaac, the former Ginebra San Miguel superstar, is now the new coach of the Barako Bull (formerly Red Bull). The ex-Mapua Cardinal hotshot will take the reins from Yeng Guiao, who is now tasked to call the shots for Burger King (formerly Air21). Isaac was among the shortlisted candidates along with Leo Austria and Guiao's assistant Gee Abanilla. But the Barako Bull management decided to choose Isaac, whose experience as assistant coach with Mobiline and Air21 recently, made him fit for the job. Isaac was a champion coach in the Philippine Basketball League (PBL), piloting the underdog Ana Water Dispenser squad to a title over the powerhouse Tanduay Rhum Masters in 1998. He was also a champion coach in the National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA) while handling Arellano University. Red Bull team manager Andy Jao and Issac met last week, but it was only Wednesday when the deal was consummated. Austria, the former Shell Turbochargers and Welcoat Dragons bench tactician, was another strong candidate, but reportedly turned down the offer as he is still handling the Adamson Falcons in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP). A rule is specified in the PBA that a coach cannot become a head mentor in the pro league and other commercial or collegiate squads at the same time. - GMANews.TV