Nenad Vucinic resigns from Gilas Pilipinas, Meralco Bolts posts

Nenad Vucinic has resigned from his posts as assistant coach of Gilas Pilipinas and consultant for the Meralco Bolts in the PBA.

The 57-year old Vucinic reportedly resigned from his posts last week after a meeting with Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) chairman emeritus Manny V. Pangilinan, sources said.

The resignation, however, was kept under wraps as the national team is at the height of preparations for upcoming matches with Lebanon on the 25th of August and Saudi Arabia on the 29th in the 4th window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

The former head coach of New Zealand’s national basketball team still attended the Bolts’ semifinals match against San Miguel last Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Aside from the SBP and PBA gig, Vucinic also stepped down as consultant for San Beda in the NCAA.

Sources close to the Serbian/New Zealander claimed that he really wanted to be a significant part of Gilas but his presence and inputs were hardly valued.

Vucinic was initially tapped by the SBP as consultant for Gilas before serving as interim coach during the third window of the qualifiers.

His resignation leaves Chot Reyes, Tim Cone, Jong Uichico and Reyes’ son Josh as remaining members of the national team coaching staff.