Biboy Ravanes named new Petron Blaze coach

(From left to right) Assistant coach Leo Austria, new head coach Biboy Ravanes, former head coach and now team manager Gee Abanilla, consultant Todd Purves and former team manager Siot Tanquingcen watch intently at the sidelines during a game by Petron. PBA IMAGES/Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines — Petron Blaze underwent yet another coaching change, according to a post on the PBA’s official website.

The Boosters, on the heels of a failed 2014 PBA Philippine Cup stint, named long-time assistant coach Biboy Ravanes as their new head coach Monday.

Petron got bundled out of the semifinals by the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in just five games.

Ravanes takes over the coaching reins from Gee Abanilla, who was elevated to team manager — a vacant post after Siot Tanquingcen’s contract had expired.

“Nawala na si Siot kasi nag-expire na contract niya (Siot’s gone because his contract has already expired),” San Miguel Corp. official Robert Non told pba.inquirer.net.

Tanquingcen is also said to have joined the Barako Bull Energy to be the team’s consultant.

Ravanes, the Boosters’ fourth head coach in three years after Ato Agustin, Olsen Racela and Abanilla, will work hand in hand with American consultant Todd Purves, who had been reported to have a “more active role” at the sidelines.

Petron, which will return to its iconic San Miguel Beermen name in the 2014 Commissioner’s Cup this March, went just a win short of claiming the 2013 Governors’ Cup — losing to San Mig Coffee in Game 7 in Abanilla’s first conference as mentor.

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