After four years, a beloved Serbian coach is returning to the country.
Former Gilas Pilipinas head coach Rajko Toroman has been tapped by College of Saint Benilde to serve as a team consultant, starting with NCAA Season 99.
“We are delighted to welcome coach Rajko Toroman to the College of Saint Benilde family. His wealth of experience and strategic insights will undoubtedly elevate our team’s performance. With Coach Rajko’s guidance, we are confident in reaching new heights in college basketball,” said Blazers team manager Jacob Lao.
Toroman previously served as the head coach of the Philippine men’s national basketball team from 2009 to 2011.
Later on, he took the helm of PBA teams Petron and Barako Bull as head coach. During that period, the current Blazers head coach Charles Tiu was part of his coaching staff.
Toroman will be joining Paolo Layug, Carlo Tan, Gabby Severino, Marvin Bienvenida, and JC Cullar on Tiu’s staff.
“I’m absolutely thrilled; it’s coming full circle for me. I’ve always wanted to work with him again because he’s like a father figure to me,” said Tiu.
“Before bringing Coach Zoran (Martic) on board, I had actually invited Coach Rajko. However, he had commitments in Bahrain and wanted to watch his grandson compete for the Serbian U16 national team,” Tiu explained.
Beyond assisting the Blazers, Toroman will also conduct coaching clinics across the country, aligning with the main goal of Strong Group Athletics, which is to elevate Philippine basketball.
“At Strong Group Athletics, our mission is clear: to uplift Philippine basketball to greater heights. With this goal in mind, we’re excited to have Serbian coach Rajko Toroman on board. His expertise will not only benefit our team but also the basketball community as a whole,” said Strong Group Athletics owner and Blazers program booster Frank Lao.
“Coach Rajko will generously conduct coaching clinics nationwide during his free time, strengthening the sport at every level and empowering aspiring athletes and coaches across the country.”
CSB is aiming to end a 22-year title drought in the Grand Old League. In the previous season, the Blazers secured a second-place finish in the senior basketball competition.
