COLUMN: RECHARGED VICTOLERO READY FOR COMEBACK. WILL IT BE AT MAPUA?
CHICAGO - With the sudden, unexpected exit of Randy Alcantara as Mapua Cardinals head coach, a prominent name has surfaced as a potential replacement.
Just to be clear, official talks, let alone an offer, has yet to take place as the university is currently negotiating a contract buyout with Alcantara who is signed through 2028, sources said.
READ Victolero says no grudge with Magnolia successor LA Tenorio
But after laying low since his nine-year, 22-conference run at Magnolia ended last August, the 2018 PBA Coach of the Year is ready to go back to coaching.
"I've recharged and I'm ready for the next opportunity," Victolero told me in a telephone interview on Tuesday.
"Bumawi ako, nag-family bonding and also took care of business ventures,' he added.
FAMILY TIME.
Beginning as an assistant with Kia [now Terrafirma], Victorlero worked 12 uninterrupted years in the PBA, holding high-demand, high-profile positions that made him miss family milestones with his wife and three kids.
He knew that coming in, which is why he took advantage of the lull in coaching to make up for some lost time with loved ones.
Five months later, though, with his body tuned-up and the soul cleansed, the 2018 PBA champion is eager to command another clipboard.
Should the Mapua job ultimately become his, it will mark Victorlero's return to the Cardinals' nest where he was head coach from 2009 to 2012.
But he isn't ruling out returning to the pro ranks, either.
"Maski saan, po. I love coaching. I love teaching," he explained.
PBA COMEBACK?
Although known as a defensive mind, coach Chito's offensive philosophies had become more creative at the tailend of his Magnolia stint.
His experience, reputation as a pro-player coach, and understanding of the workings of the league make him a lucrative candidate for teams in search of credibility and star power.
Blackwater, for instance, remains mum on coach Jeff Cariaso's deal that is reported to expire this April.
It would be interesting how Victolero can weaponize three US NCAA Division 1 caliber players on the Bossing roster.
Still in the market, and sadly with nearly zero buyer's appeal, Terrafirma has a three-man brain thrust in Jeff Napa, Pido Jarencio and Ronald Tubid.
Perhaps Victolero can make that team more competitive and appealing to a potential new ownership group.
The PBA has a long history of recycling coaches, so why not Chito Victolero, who's good as new after a very fruitful sabbatical.
2026-01-20T16:15:05Z