Uichico set to be Gilas’ top deputy

PHOTO by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Following his ouster from the TNT head coaching post, coach Jong Uichico isn’t going to be left high and dry.

A source close to the situation said that the nine-time PBA champion mentor will aid coach Chot Reyes in the Gilas Pilipinas program as assistant coach.

READ: Nash Racela takes over TNT coaching chores, replaces Uichico

Uichico has served as deputy to Reyes and Tab Baldwin for the national team since 2013, and will continue fulfilling that role.

With Reyes back at Gilas’ helm, Baldwin was also appointed back to his original role as national team consultant. Other members of the Gilas coaching staff are yet to be named.

Uichico was relieved of his coaching duties at TNT last Wednesday following a shocking semifinals exit in the 2016 PBA Governors’ Cup.

The KaTropa were poised for a return trip to the Finals after posting a 10-1 eliminations record, dispatched Phoenix in the quarterfinals, before Meralco booted them out in the semis.

READ: Racela to finish Season 79 with FEU amid TNT head coaching news

His assistant Nash Racela is set to replace Uichico and will assume the position once the ongoing UAAP season ends. Racela steered Far Eastern University to a UAAP title last year. / rga