RAJKO Toroman is back after last handling the Gilas Pilipinas national men’s basketball team for three years, more than a decade ago.
This time, the 68-year-old Serbian will serve as consultant for the College of St. Benilde Blazers in the coming 99th season of the National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament.
His return comes a year after he resigned from his job as the national coach of Indonesia, following the end of its 2022 FIBA Asia Cup campaign.
From 2009 to 2011, Toroman was the head coach of the Philippine men’s national basketball team.
During his time with Gilas, Toroman gave the Philippines one of its best performances, as it landed fourth place in the 2011 FIBA Asia Championship.
When he left, Toroman went to the Philippine Basketball Association, to handle teams like Petron and Barako Bull.
Strong Group Athletics’ owner and Blazers program booster Frank Lao welcomed Toroman’s presence.
“At Strong Group Athletics, our mission is clear, to uplift Philippine basketball to greater heights. With this goal in mind, we’re excited to have Serbian coach Rajko Toroman on board. His expertise will not only benefit our team but also the basketball community as a whole,” said Lao.
The Blazers are seeking to come out of a 22-year title drought after settling for a second-place finish in the senior basketball competition.
Coach Charles Tiu said he is glad to have Toroman by his side, along with other assistants, Paolo Layug, Carlo Tan, Gabby Severino, Marvin Bienvenida, and JC Cullar.
“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.