Air21 boss back as Burger King manager

MANILA, Philippines - Air21 president Lito Alvarez has reassumed management of the Burger King Titans basketball team after the exit of Harbour Centre owner Mikee Romero.

And with the management of the team 100 percent back to the Lina Group, Alvarez said they will re-evaluate all positions, except the head coach post belonging to Yeng Guiao.

“I had a meeting with the team and I was very transparent with them. I told them coach Yeng will stay but as far as the staff is concerned, I have to wait for further instruction from Mr. Bert Lina. In the meantime, I asked assistant coach Junel Baculi and Jorge Gallent to stay put,” said Alvarez.

“We’ll reevaluate all positions and even some things like the uniform and uniform logo. We don’t like the black color,” Alvarez added.

Already decided upon is the team again using Whoppers as monicker instead of the Titans. Burger King used the same monicker in its stint in the PBL.

“We believe Whopper has a bigger impact,” said Alvarez.

Alvarez also hinted at a revamp of the coaching staff.

“I have nothing against coach Junel and coach Jorge. But I have to consult coach Yeng Guiao. He didn’t bring his own men in joining Burger King. He may have in mind coaches who could help him,” said Alvarez.

Baculi and Gallent were among Harbour Centre people brought in by Romero in organizing the BK team.

Romero, on Saturday, returned control of the operation of the BK team to the Lina Group after the planned Metro Pacific-Harbour Centre merger failed to materialize.

The young businessman-sportsman was allowed to run the team on the assumption that Metro Pacific and Harbour Centre would merge then Romero would pour investments into Burger King.

The deal didn’t push through, though. – Nelson Beltran