Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net
Vergel Meneses isn’t just a hoops legend or the head coach for Jose Rizal University. He’s also laying down the groundwork for the school’s future this early.
The 48-year-old bench tactician is handing down the Heavy Bombers rein to Gio Lasquety this upcoming 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup as he begins his succession plan for the varsity team.
“If you’ll look at it, he was listed as the head coach when we submitted our lineup for the D-League,” the mentor bared, making Lasquety the youngest coach in the developmental league’s seven-year history at 23 years of age.
Meneses has long been grooming Lasquety as his successor once he decides to move away from Kalentong, even going as far as putting the hardworking swingman as a playing assistant coach in his final year this past NCAA Season 93.
“Even during the NCAA season, he was with us when we’re preparing our game plan in the coaches’ room. Every game, he was there with us preparing,” he said.
It was easy for Meneses to let Lasquety take over the job, given his impressive basketball IQ. “He knows what’s happening in the court and what the opponent is doing. He tells me, ‘Coach, what they’ll do is this. What they’ll do is that.’ He really is knowledgeable.”
Lasquety, however, won’t be left alone in the PBA D-League games as Meneses will still serve as the team manager while deputy Cholo Villanueva will be assisting him in the sidelines.
The arrangement, however, is just for the PBA D-League as Meneses is still the JRU head coach.
The Heavy Bombers will begin their NCAA Season 94 preparation early with the D-League stint as they bank on the leadership of NCAA Most Improved Player Jed Mendoza.