JACOBS TO COACH RP ASIAD CAGERS

Manila, Nov. 4, 1997 - American Ron Jacobs will coach the national basketball team composed of PBA players in next year's Asian Games in Bangkok.

Philippine Journal sports writer Dodo Catacutan writes that PBA officials have already talked to Jacobs about the plan, and that the San Miguel coach has enthusiastically accepted the challenge.

Although PBA commissioner Jun Bernardino would not confirm the report, he said "we vowed to give the Asian Games our best shot, so we have to tap the best coach available."

The pro league will start its 1998 season as early as January and end it by November, to give the RP squad a whole month to concentrate solely on preparing for the Bangkok Asiad.

League insiders say Jacobs has made a list of 24 players from the eight professional clubs to compose the national team. One of the prominent names mentioned is Noy Castillo, a Fil-Am player who is expected to join the rookie draft next year.

Opposition is expected to be string against the appointment of an American coach, but the league is bent on recapturing the Asian Games crown.