BIDDING to make a happy comeback, Hapee Toothpaste has named former PBA star Ronnie Magsanoc as its head coach for the coming PBA D-League.
“We’re happy that Mr. Magsanoc has accepted the challenge to handle the team. Being one of the best minds in amateur basketball, we are proud to have him in the team,” said Hapee Toothpaste owner Dr. Cecilio Pedro.
With his vast experience in the PBA as assistant of Ryan Gregorio with Purefoods (now San Mig Super Coffee) and Meralco, Magsanoc is expected to lead Hapee to another successful run after a five-year hiatus.
Hapee is taking the franchise of NLEX which has moved up to the PBA after winning six of seven D-L conferences the past three years.
Hapee was one of the pillars of the now-defunct Philippine Basketball League (PBL), where it won three titles, the last during the 2004 conference with Ateneo stars at the helm. Hapee also ruled the 1996 Fiba Asian Champions Cup.
Hapee Team Manager Bernard Yang said negotiation to get the services of Magsanoc was smooth and easy.
Aside from San Beda Red Lions like Baser Amer, Ola Adeogun, Art dela Cruz, Ryussei Koga, JP Mendoza and Michole Sorela, Hapee will be reinforced by former SBC star Garvo Laneta and Ateneo player Kirk Long.