Gallent’s first task: Re-signing players

MANILA, Philippines—New Derby Ace coach Jorge Gallent, who steered Harbour Centre to seven straight PBL titles, will try to bring his winning ways to the pro league.   His first step is to negotiate with players whose contracts are expiring.   Seven players, led by two-time MVP James Yap, have expiring contracts. The Llamados won the Philippine Cup this year and made the semifinals of the Fiesta Conference and Gallent wants to keep the winning core intact.   “I have the material, I have been given a very talented team,” the 42-year-old Gallent told the Inquirer over the phone Tuesday. “This is another challenge for me.”   Gallent played collegiate ball for Far Eastern U in the UAAP as a teammate of Johnny Abarrientos and Vic Pablo, before joining PBA squad Tanduay in 1999.   “I would like to keep the team intact because we are like a family out there already,” said Gallent.   Gallent served as assistant to Ryan Gregorio, who accepted a job to coach new PBA team Meralco.