MANILA, Philippines – Newly crowned ABL champion coach Ariel Vanguardia is bringing his act back to the Philippine Basketball Association, taking over from Koy Banal as bench chieftain of the Phoenix Petroleum team.
“Phoenix Fuel Masters has appointed Ariel Vanguardia as its new head coach. This is in consonance with the long-term plan of building an exciting and new team which is likewise in line with the marketing programs of the company,” said Phoenix official Raymund Zorrila in a statement.
“We are grateful for the efforts and professionalism of coach Banal and the rest of the staff, and we wish them well in their future endeavors,” Zorrila also said.
Vanguardia is fresh from steering the Westports Malaysia Dragons to a first-ever championship in the 2016 ABL season.
He has coached the Talk n Text Tropang Texters in the local pro league before drifting in the collegiate ranks, handling the Jose Rizal U Bombers. He has served as an assistant to Louie Alas in the defunct Metropolitan Basketball Association before getting his breaks in the PBA.
Vanguardia inherited from Banal a team that finished with a dismal 3-8 win-loss mark for 10th place in the 2016 Commissioner’s Cup – Phoenix’s maiden conference in the PBA after taking over the Barako Bull franchise.
He will have core players in JC Intal, Willy Wilson, Mick Pennisi, Josh Urbiztondo, Chico Lanete and new trade recruits Norbert Torres and Mark Cruz.
Reports said John Wilson is to come on board in place of James Forrester.