Gallent gets two able Derby Ace assistants

MANILA, Philippines—Art Dela Cruz, a defensive specialist in his heyday as a San Miguel Beer stalwart, leaves the Barangay Ginebra coaching staff to serve as deputy to Derby Ace head coach George Gallent in the coming Philippine Basketball Association season.   The Llamados have also signed up another assistant in Richard Del Rosario, even as Siot Tanquingcen’s return to Barangay Ginebra—after handling SMB as head coach—was officially consummated as the San Miguel organization continued shuffling its mentors.   Gallent took over from Ryan Gregorio, who went to Meralco to accept a lucrative five-year offer. Gregorio took with him assistant coach Ronnie Magsanoc and enlisted former Talk ‘N Text guard Patrick Fran and ex-Sta. Lucia head coach Boyet Fernandez to join him on the bench.   Derby Ace, which will defend the Philippine Cup starting Oct. 3, elevated Gallent to full coaching capacity after just over a year with the team as an assistant coach.   Gallent was very successful with Harbour Centre in the Philippine Basketball League, guiding the Batang Pier to six straight championships.   Derby Ace also lost assistant coach Rey Evangelista, who opted to return home to Ormoc to start a business.