In the end, Ateneo wound up with its “first choice” to replace champion coach Norman Black.
Bo Perasol is set to take over the Ateneo helm today following the surprise reconciliation between tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan and his alma mater over the weekend.
Ateneo president Fr. Jett Villarin, SJ, met with Perasol yesterday, setting in motion anew the initial plans for a smooth transition following the departure of Black to the pro league.
Perasol worked with the Blue Eagles Team B before Pangilinan, the university’s top sports patron, severed ties with Ateneo due to “irreconcilable differences” on various issues.
Ateneo is expected to issue an official statement today.
As early as July, Perasol had already been tagged by Pangilinan and the school’s selection committee as the “first choice” to take over the coaching job.
But the controversial split prompted Ateneo and the former PBA mentor “to release each other from the obligations” of a three-year coaching contract.
Black’s assistants have been calling the shots for the Blue Eagles in the ongoing Philippine Collegiate Champions League.
High expectations await Perasol as the Blue Eagles shoot for a sixth straight UAAP men’s basketball championship next season.
Perasol, though, is no stranger to the league as he also suited up for University of the Philippines in the ’90s before coaching its junior team.