Titan Ultra has appointed Rensy Bajar as new head coach ahead of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup on 11 March.
He will take over the young franchise, which parted ways with former mentor Johnedel Cardel last month after just one conference.
The 49-year-old Bajar served as one of Cardel’s deputies following the Giant Risers’ purchase of NorthPort before the start of the season.
Bajar will have his hands full in turning Titan Ultra’s fortunes around after logging just four wins in 11 starts in its debut campaign in the season-opening Philippine.
Another challenge for Bajar is to keep the Giant Risers competitive after sending veteran top scorer Calvin Abueva to Converge in a 3-for-1 trade early this month.
Abueva, who averaged 23.60 points, 11.90 rebounds and 3.60 assists to finish third in the Best Player of the Conference derby in the Philippine Cup, was swapped for King Caralipio, Mark Omega and Rey Suerte.
“The expectation for us is to be competitive every game,” Bajar said.
Titan Ultra will parade 6-foot-10 Michael Gilmore as reinforcement in its first foray in the import-laden tournament.