JRU taps Louie Gonzalez as head coach

Jose Rizal University has found its man that will steer the Heavy Bombers to a new frontier.

Former DLSU Green Archers head coach Louie Gonzalez has been tapped by the school to replace Vergel Meneses, the school announced in a statement.

“JRU is pleased to announce the appointment of Louie Gonzalez as head coach of its Men’s Basketball Team effective April 1.”

Gonzalez led La Salle to an 8-6 record during the UAAP Season 81 Men’s Basketball tournament. However, it was not enough to make it to the Final Four.

He was replaced by Jermaine Byrd after just one season.

Even if he was head coach of a big program, he remained working with the grassroots and is still part of the Jr. NBA team.

It is because of this that attracted JRU to him.

Gonzalez will have Eddie Laure, Eric Dela Costa, Nixon Ramos, and Vic Lazaro as his staff. Confidant Glenn Capacio is still his active consultant.

In his nine-year stay in JRU, Meneses steered the Heavy Bombers to five Final Four appearances. He accumulated a record of 84-76 in the elimination round, 2-7 in the playoffs. The Heavy Bombers failed to make the finals during his stay.

The new-look Heavy Bombers will make their debut in the 2019 Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup.