Add Rajko Toroman to the growing list of coaches being eyed to lead De La Salle University in Season 86 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament.
Toroman, the noted Serbian mentor who started the Gilas Pilipinas program in 2008, confirmed to Daily Tribune that he received feelers from the Green Archers, asking if he is interested to serve as their head coach.
He, however, has yet to get any formal offer from the La Salle management.
“For the moment, no official offer from LaSalle. A few people call me about that, but nothing officially,” Toroman, who is currently coaching in Bahrain, wrote in an email.
Toroman is the latest coach that is being linked to the La Salle’s coaching position after Topex Robinson, Cholo Villanueva and Louie Alas.
The Serbian mentor said he is willing to return and coach in the Philippines if ever an opportunity arises.
“Of course, I follow Philippine basketball. I spent five great years in Manila. I can’t forget that. If I have an offer from the Philippines, why not. I still feel the energy to work,” Toroman said.
For three years, he was part of the national team program, putting together a squad composed of the finest amateur players and reinforced by a naturalized player to play in major international tournaments like the FIBA Asia Cup, the Asian Games, the Stankovic Cup and the William Jones Cup among others.
Among the players he produced were Philippine Basketball Association stars Japeth Aguilar, Mark Barroca, Marcio Lassiter, and JVee Casio as well as Chris Tiu, Mac Baracael and Chris Lutz.
It was under Toroman’s watch when Gilas brought back the naturalization process, tapping Marcus Douthit, who eventually served the Philippine team for five years.
When Toroman’s contract with the national team ended, he was appointed active coaching consultant of Petron, then eventually moved to Barako Bull.
He also served as consultant for Charles Tiu at Mighty Sports when it competed in the Dubai International tournament and the Jones Cup several years ago, then brought his act to Indonesia where he took over as the national team coach.
