Blustar Detergent coach Goh Cheng Huat. Photo from KLDragons.com
Following Ariel Vanguardia’s appointment as the new head coach of Phoenix in the PBA, Goh Cheng Huat will now take over the Blustar Detergent Dragons in the 2016 PBA D-League Foundation Cup.
Vanguardia confirmed the move Wednesday after the reigning Asean Basketball League champions also officially announced that they were parting ways with the long-time mentor.
“Yes, I’m a consultant na lang for Blustar,” he said.
In his four-year stint in the regional league, Vanguardia helped shape the quality of basketball for the Malaysians, leading the team to two Finals appearances and including the first franchise championship for Malaysia.
“We are all happy for him. Ariel is a good and hard-working coach. Obviously, it saddens us to let him go, but we are proud to have developed a coach that is recognized by a team in the PBA,” said Westports Malaysia team manager Yakub Hussaini in a statement. “It’s not all goodbyes. Ariel is still assisting us on a few things especially in the ASEAN Heritage imports department as well as the World imports scouting reports. That much he has promised me. He will always remain a Dragon.”
Meanwhile, the 60-year-old Goh is tasked to steer the Dragons in this groundbreaking voyage in the PBA D-League.
The Malaysian national team coach will bank on the leadership of his local guys like Mah Chee Kheun and reinforcements Juami Tiongson and Christian Palma.
Blustar Detergent will make its PBA D-League debut next Monday against Tanduay Rhum Masters.