Four-year Ateneo deal for Bo?

Two-time PBA finals coach Bo Perasol of Powerade is seriously considering to succeed Norman Black as Ateneo senior varsity basketball coach but while the Blue Eagles are eager to sign up their first choice in a short list of candidates, the UP broadcast communications graduate is in no hurry to leave the pro ranks.

“It will really be unfair to my players if I divide my attention in such a time like this,” said Perasol on the eve of Powerade’s knockout game against Barako Bull to stay in contention for the PBA Governors Cup semifinals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last night. “All I know about Powerade is only what I read in the newspapers. I haven’t talked to Mikee (Romero) yet. Nothing is actually definite. All talks are just what ifs. As for Ateneo, I haven’t gone into the details of the offer as I am really in full focus on Powerade’s campaign.”

What is certain is Ateneo’s pursuit of Perasol who was an assistant coach at UP, Welcoat in the PBL, Surigao and Laguna in the MBA and Air 21 before taking over from Bong Ramos as the Express head coach in the 2005-06 PBA Fiesta Conference. The rumor is Perasol was offered a four-year Ateneo contract with an escalating salary starting at P310,000 monthly.

Ateneo is shooting for a fifth straight UAAP crown with Norman Black at the helm this season. Black will leave the Eagles at the end of the campaign to succeed Chot Reyes on the Talk ‘N’ Text bench in the PBA. Reyes will move on to become full-time Smart Gilas national coach and executive director of the MVP Sports Foundation.

Perasol, 40, has worked wonders at Powerade and his close relationship with assistant coach Charles Tiu, brother of former Ateneo star Chris, probably led to the Eagles offer. What makes Perasol special is he worked his way up the ranks like Miami’s Erik Spoelstra. He knows the game, is a motivator, never gives up no matter the odds and draws inspiration from the Scriptures like Manny Pacquiao.

Off the court, Perasol and his wife Reina operate the Haven of Learning Development Center, a nursery school in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. They’ve been married 13 years and the school is now on its eighth year. Reina is the school directress. Perasol, who once managed Air 21’s South Luzon operations, plans to eventually complete his MBA studies at Ateneo.

There is speculation that Romero, who owned the highly successful Harbour Centre franchise in the PBL and co-owns the Philippine Patriots in the ABL, may join the PBA next season either with an expansion or an existing franchise. It’s not certain if the Powerade franchise is for sale but if the team is open for bidding, takers wouldn’t be scarce. Powerade is one of the league’s most popular teams with players like Gary David, Jvee Casio, Sean Anthony, Rabeh Al-Hussaini and Rey Guevarra.

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Unified minimumweight champion Kazuto Ioka of Japan has decided to relinquish the WBC title, avoiding a mandatory defense against No. 1 contender Denver Cuello. Ioka will keep the WBA belt so the WBC abdication is a clear indication that he’s not confident of his chances against Cuello.

“Ioka is scared of Denver,” said Cuello’s manager Aljoe Jaro in Pilipino. “We’re now waiting for the WBC’s decision whether or not to declare Denver the new champion outright. I think Denver should be the new champion because he beat (Ganigan) Lopez in a title eliminator. There’s no reason why Denver should be made to fight another eliminator.”

Cuello, who tied the knot with long-time girlfriend Rowena Sarceno last Saturday, said if the WBC declares him the new champion, it will be a gift from God for his wedding. Ioka vacated the WBC throne on the day of Cuello’s marriage. “We’re waiting for the WBC to award the belt because Ioka gave up the title,” said Cuello. “What a blessing on my wedding day.”

If the WBC orders another eliminator for the vacant throne, Jaro said he will move heaven and earth to stage it in Manila. The No. 2 contender is Thailand’s unbeaten Wanheng Menayothin who is managed by Virat Vachirarattanawong of the Diamond Boxing Stable. If Cuello is declared the new champion, he will be mandated to stake the title against Wanheng in his first defense so either way, the fight is next on the agenda. Jaro said if he can’t bring the bout to Manila, maybe Canelo Promotions of Mexico or Golden Boy could book it in the undercard of WBC lightmiddleweight champion Saul Alvarez’ defense in Las Vegas on Sept. 15. Canelo is Jaro’s partner in promoting Cuello in the US and Mexico.

Cuello, 25, has won his last 10 fights, all within the distance, including three in Mexico, to raise his record to 31-4-6, with 21 KOs. Wanheng, 26, totes a 23-0 record, with 7 KOs, and 15 of his wins came at the expense of hapless Filipinos. If ever they meet, Cuello will be out to avenge those Filipino defeats.