Cardel named Columbian Dyip coach vice Dandan

Former La Salle high-leaping offguard Johnedel Cardel is to take over the head-coaching position left behind by Ricky Dandan at the Columbian Dyip ball club.

A reliable source said the team management has chosen Cardel over fellow assistant coach Art dela Cruz.

The same source said Columbian Dyip top official Bobby Rosales will formally notify Cardel of his appointment in a meeting today.

“No other appointment will be made. Cardel will be given a free hand if he wants to bring in an assistant or if he wants to introduce a new system in the team,” said The STAR source.

Dandan tendered his resignation at the end of their elims stint in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup where the Dyip finished with a 4-7 win-loss card. He opted to concentrate on his chores with the UP Maroons.

The Dyip team actually still has a slim chance to make the playoff round, but it hinges on losses by Magnolia and Phoenix Fuel in their remaining games.

Cardel is the sixth coach of the Columbian Autocar Corp. franchise after Manny Pacquiao, Glenn Capacio, Chito Victolero, Chris Gavina and Dandan.

He’s served as assistant coach of Franz Pumaren at GlobalPort before moving over to Columbian Dyip. He has also handled the Rizal Technological U team in collegiate play.

Meanwhile, NLEX, out of the playoff race with a 2-8 card, may start playing its third conference import Olu Ashaolu in its farewell game in the Commissioner’s Cup versus the Magnolia Hotshots on Wednesday at the MOA Arena.

“That’s the plan of coach Yeng (Guiao). Arnett Moultrie is still in the country, and both players have been practicing with us, but coach Yeng is planning to test Ashaolu already,” said NLEX executive Ronald Dulatre.

Ashaolu is a well-built Nigerian player who played college ball with Louisiana Tech and Oregon. He’s fresh from a stint in the Japanese league.