No second season in Brunei for Bong Ramos

Fans of the Brunei Barracudas who are waiting to hear who will be the 'chosen one' at the helm this season can cross out Bong Ramos's (pic) name for the Filipino coach will definitely not be making a second appearance to coach the team next season.

Appointed as head coach for Brunei's first professional basketball team last season, Ramos led the side to a 6-9 record in the inaugural season of the Asean Basketball League (ABL) which saw the Bruneians fall short of making the playoffs in the six-team competition.

"My experience with the Barracudas is one of the hardest ever in my career. But because of (team owner) Nadzaty (Azma Azeez) giving her 200 per cent support together with the management, I was able to overcome the odds and limitations in Brunei," said Ramos, in an interview with The Brunei Times, yesterday.

"I think we actually overachieved last season winning six games, beating the (KL) Dragons and (Thailand) Tigers twice as well as taming (ABL champions) the (Philippine) Patriots and Satria Muda BritAma of Indonesia. I'm proud to have been able to coach in Brunei," added the 49-year-old coach.

"When you play in professional league you are ready to play, but in Brunei the local players were not that ready when I arrived. So off season should be the training period," said Ramos.

"But it is very expensive to do that ... unless, of course, there are other people who want to sponsor the off season training," added the ex-Indonesia national coach during the interview.

The Filipino urged fans to be thankful to the management for putting the team together.

"Having a professional team is not easy. I hope fans will appreciate what the Barracudas have started," said the former head coach.

"Zaty has sacrificed her money and time to give Bruneians the experience of having a professional team. The fans get to cheer the team and the local players get to be part of the team," he added.

"I'm very happy with my experience in Brunei having been able to share my knowledge in basketball with all Bruneians," added the Filipino.

Ramos, who is back in the Philippines, is hoping to coach a new team soon.

"I'm waiting for offers to come," added the Filipino.

The Brunei Times