INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines ? Former PBA star Vergel Meneses is being eyed to replace Ariel Vanguardia as head coach of the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers next season.

Meneses, nicknamed ?The Aerial Voyager? during his heyday for his acrobatic moves to the basket, is reportedly signing a contract soon with his alma mater, according to a statement issued by the NCAA.

JRU athletic director Paul Supan, though, said there is nothing final yet. ?We?re still taking about it but Meneses is in the shortlist,? Supan said in a text message to INQUIRER.net.

Vanguardia took over Cris Calilan to start the 2005 NCAA basketball season and steered the Bombers to a Final Four finish a year later.

The Bombers, who are yet to bag a title after 37 years, failed to reach the finals last season after losing to the San Sebastian Golden Stags, mentored by former PBA star Ato Agustin.