Raiko Toroman, former Gilas coach and now mentor of the Indonesian national team, during a 2019 SEA Games basketball game. INQUIRER PHOTO/AUGUST DELA CRUZ
MANILA, Philippines—After securing a bevy of recruits, College of St. Benilde bolstered its sidelines by tapping Serbian mentor Rajko Toroman as consultant.
Toroman is no stranger to the Philippine basketball scene as the former head coach of Gilas Pilipinas from 2009 to 2011. He also called the shots for Petron and Barako Bull in the PBA.
Toroman will help guide the Blazers, who are coming off a finals stint in the NCAA Season 98, along with head coach Charles Tiu.
“I’m absolutely thrilled. It’s coming full circle for me. I’ve always wanted to work with him again because he’s like a father figure to me,” said Tiu.
“There is still so much for us to learn and improve upon, and having a coach of his caliber come here to train us is truly beneficial.”
Tiu served as deputy when Toroman was at the helm of Barako Bull.
Tiu hopes that the addition of Toroman would finally end the Blazers’ 22-year title drought with reigning NCAA MVP Will Gozum back for Season 99.
Benilde has had a busy offseason, bringing in the talents of San Beda standout Tony Ynot and Emilio Aguinaldo College silver lining Allen Liwag among others.
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