Favis takes leave as Coke faces SLR

Coca-Cola coach Binky Favis and the Tigers failed to resolve some coach-player issues, prompting the management to call on their coach to take a leave as they play Sta. Lucia Realty tonight in the KFC PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

At press time, the management has yet to decide who will take over for the team in the 5 p.m. contest. It’s also uncertain whether Favis will be out of the team for good.

“Dependent on many factors even on his (Favis’) preferences. We’re taking it one step at a time,” said Coca-Cola governor and team manager JB Baylon.

“We still have to work out who will call the shots. But the players have come together and vowed to play their best even in the absence of coach Binky Favis,” Baylon said.

Favis said it’s a mere disagreement regarding game plans.

“While we try to resolve the issues, the management and I have agreed that I take a leave from the team for the game,” he said.

Meanwhile, San Miguel Beer has lost another major player in Mike Cortez who suffered an ACL tear on his right knee in their last game against Talk n Text Friday.

Cortez will undergo surgery today at St. Luke’s Hospital, the same day the Beermen go up against the Barangay Ginebra Kings.

The former La Salle sentinel, who has assumed the starting point guard chores at San Miguel, will be out for at least six months. He suffered the same injury on the other knee while with Alaska Milk two years ago.

Chris Calaguio has been reactivated from the reserve list to fill in the void left by Cortez.

At Barangay Ginebra, veteran point guard Johnny Abarrientos was reactivated to take over from JR Aquino.

Already depleted by injuries to Mark Caguioa, Billy Mamaril and Rafi Reavis, the Kings will also play the Beermen at 7:30 p.m. minus Ronald Tubid, who was suspended for one game for flagrant fouls on Rich Alvarez and Jojo Duncil Sunday.

Tubid was also fined P20,000 for his misconduct.

“We can’t afford to take them lightly though short-handed. I know that team very well,” said San Miguel coach Siot Tanquingcen.

The San Miguel mentor said adjustments will have to be made on the ouster of Cortez.

“Olsen (Racela) plays well coming off the bench. He’s no longer a spring chicken but he puts in quality minutes. We’ll see if we can keep him playing off-the-bench role,” said Tanquingcen.

Hearing a snap on his knee, Cortez was helped to their dugout in the third quarter of their 84-77 thrashing of the Tropang Texters. It was Magnolia’s third straight win following a losing season debut against Alaska Milk.

“We’re just four games into the season and we’re also saddled by injuries like Ginebra,” said Tanquingcen.

Danny Ildefonso underwent operation on both ankles in the off-season. Danny Seigle is out with a pinched nerve at the back.