“Underutilized” coach Nenad Vucinic resigns from Gilas, Meralco Bolts and San Beda, after losing game 7 in the Philippine cup to the San Miguel Beermen, to chase another opportunity in New Zealand.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) confirmed on Thursday that Serbian-Kiwi coach Nenad Vucinic has left his post as part of the Gilas Pilipinas coaching staff.
He was tapped as the head coach during the third window of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian qualifiers but is leaving to pursue another opportunity in New Zealand.
SBP Executive Director and Spokesman Sonny Barrios clarified through a text message sent to Manila Bulletin that Vucinic did not resign from his post but opted not to extend his contract which is set to expire this August.
“Nenad’s contract expired and decided not to renew and pursue other opportunities,” said Barrios. “We are grateful for his contributions in helping Gilas compete at the international level.”
Aside from relieving his Gilas duties, Vucinic also finished his Meralco Bolts duties after the team ended their Philippine Cup run, suffering a 100-89 Game Seven rout by the San Miguel Beermen.
He bid farewell to Norman Black and Meralco’s staff after the game.
With this move, Nenad seemed to have also given up another consultant role at multi-titled NCAA squad San Beda.
Meanwhile, Barrios said that they will not replace Vucinic for the fourth window as the federation suggested that head coach Chot Reyes and his coaching staff will suffice as he has Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone, longtime deputy Jong Uichico and his son Josh, who also handles the national youth program, under his tutelage.
“At least for this window, we’ll have what we got. Coach Tim is there, Jong Uichico is there, and Josh is there. Chot has a strong coaching staff, actually” he said.
Sources close to Vucinic said the Serbian-New Zealander wanted to help out in the Gilas program, but was left feeling underutilized and not valued enough to actually make a difference.
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