The Coaching Carousel: Is Titan Ultra Ready for a "Crunchman" or a Veteran Hand?
The PBA’s newest franchise, the Titan Ultra Giant Risers, is making waves once again. According to the "King of PBA Rumors," Snow Badua, the team is in the middle of a coaching search to lead them through the rest of Season 50.
The rumor mill initially churned with the name of 9-time PBA champion Alex "The Crunchman" Cabagnot. However, sports columnist Homer Sayson recently clarified that Cabagnot—who has been an assistant at UE and a mentor for various squads—reportedly intends to continue his legendary playing career rather than transition to a head coaching role just yet.
Why the Cabagnot Decision Might Be a Missed Opportunity
While fans love seeing Cabagnot’s "clutch" shots on the floor, passing up a head coaching job for a legit independent team is a massive decision. In the PBA, these opportunities are rare, especially for independent franchises like Titan Ultra that aren't tied to the big two corporate blocs (SMC and MVP).
Coaching an independent team offers a level of creative freedom and a chance to build a unique culture from the ground up. By choosing to stay in jerseys rather than suits, Cabagnot is betting on his longevity—but for many, it’s hard not to feel that the chance to lead a roster featuring Calvin Abueva and Joshua Munzon was a prime "career pivot" moment that may not come around again soon.
The Final Two: Bajar vs. Ramos
With Cabagnot seemingly out of the running, the search has reportedly narrowed down to two veteran tacticians with very different styles.
| Candidate | Background | Reputation |
| Rensy Bajar | Former Letran Knights head coach; long-time understudy at NorthPort. | Known for collegiate success and a deep understanding of the current roster's holdovers. |
| Bong Ramos | Veteran coach for Barako Bull and Blackwater; most recently with Zamboanga in MPBL. | The "Underdog Specialist." Known for maximizing limited rosters and getting them to the playoffs. |
The Case for Rensy Bajar
Bajar has been in the system. He knows the transition from the NorthPort era to Titan Ultra better than anyone. He is a modern coach who understands the value of a high-tempo game. However, his recent stint with Letran was a difficult one, and some wonder if he is ready to handle the immense pressure of a pro franchise that wants immediate results in the PBA's 50th year.
The Case for Bong Ramos
If you are looking for a coach to "unleash the beast" and turn a ragtag unit into a giant-slayer, Ramos is your man. He has a history of taking teams that others counted out—like the 2018 Blackwater squad—and turning them into quarterfinal threats. He is a favorite of legends like Willie Miller for a reason: he understands the "psychology" of the Filipino player.
The Verdict: Who Should Titan Pick?
If I were the team owner of Titan Ultra Philippines, the choice is between a long understudy and a proven veteran looking for one last big break.
Pick Bajar if you want continuity and a "program" that builds through youth.
Pick Ramos if you want to win now and give your veteran stars like Abueva a coach who knows how to weaponize "grit."
Personally, I lean toward Bong Ramos. In a golden 50th season, Titan Ultra doesn't just need to play; they need to disrupt. Ramos has spent his career as a disruptor, and he might be exactly what this "Giant" needs to finally rise.
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