Luigi Trillo steps down as Alaska head coach, Compton named new coach

Coach Luigi Trillo. PBA IMAGES / Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines — In an unexpected move, Luigi Trillo, who steered Alaska to the PBA Commissioner’s Cup title just last year, has stepped down from  his head coaching post Sunday, team owner Wilfred Uytengsu announced.

“We are appreciative of Luigi’s efforts during his tenure as Head Coach and piloting the Aces to our 14th PBA title. But it has been a challenging ride the past three conferences,” Uytengsu said in a statement.

“The Trillo name will always be fondly associated with the Aces owing to the fact that Joaqui Trillo served as Team Manager for 25 years as well as the Aces representative to the Board of Governors together with his son Luigi who were the only father/son (team manager-head coach) tandem to lead a franchise to a PBA title,” Uytengsu added.

Assistant coach Alex Compton was tapped to replace Trillo “effective immediately.” The Aces are currently 1-1 in the ongoing Governors’ Cup beating the San Miguel Beermen in their first game before losing to Globalport last Friday.

“It has been an honor working with and learning from Coach Luigi Trillo, and I consider him a good friend. While I will miss working with him, I am both excited and challenged by the opportunity to try and replicate the success the Alaska franchise has had over the past 28 years. I look forward to working with Mr. Uytengsu, Mr. Bachmann, and all the coaches and players as we continue our pursuit of excellence.” Compton said.

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