Pido Jarencio back as GlobalPort coach

GlobalPort drafted Andreas Cahilig in the second round of the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

GlobalPort is hoping that the third time will be the charm after reinstating Pido Jarencio as its head coach once again.

Team manager Bonnie Tan confirmed the move to INQUIRER.net on Sunday following the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft.

The former UST mentor first took the helm in the 2014 Commissioner’s Cup but struggled in his first foray until he was given the pink slip in the 2015 Philippine Cup and was replaced by his deputy Eric Gonzales.

Things got better for Jarencio as he was re-appointed in the 2015 Governors’ Cup, leading the franchise to its first semifinals appearance in the 2016 Philippine Cup before being demoted to consultant late in the 2016 Commissioner’s Cup for interim coach Johnedel Cardel.

Jarencio previously served as GlobalPort’s head of basketball operations before taking the head coaching role for the third time.

He is filling in for coach Franz Pumaren, who is currently on a leave of absence to focus on Adamson in the ongoing UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament.

Jarencio’s first order of business was the annual rookie draft, where he drafted Fil-Am winger Robbie Herndon as the sixth overall before taking Andreas Cahilig, Zach Nicholls, and Gian Abrigo in the latter rounds.

The Batang Pier then traded Herndon to Star shortly after the draft proceedings in exchange for big men Lervin Flores, Joseph Gabayni, and forward Julian Sargent.