Bicol-LCC Stores head coach Monel Kallos and the rest of his coaching staff have resigned from their respective posts, Kallos announced on social media on Wednesday.
“I have envisioned to form the first Bicol team to play in the MPBL. The dream became a reality,” said Kallos in a lengthy Facebook post.
“But it is with deep regret that I and my entire coaching staff has ended our tour of duty for the Bicol Volcanoes.”
Kallos’ staff included Alex Delos Santos, Nomar Isla, and Toto Dojilla.
With Kallos at the helm, the LCC Stores-backed squad ended the elimination phase with a 16-14 record. It entered the South playoff bracket as the eighth seed.
The Volcanoes were a revelation in the post-season, dragging South Kings and last year’s runner-up Davao Occidental-Cocolife to a do-or-die Game Three in the 2019-20 Chooks-to-Go MPBL Lakan Season quarterfinals.
Bicol had the chance to snatch the win in overtime, but Davao shackled down Bicol in the extra period. It eventually booted Kallos and the rest of the Volcanoes out of the picture via a 64-56 result.
“Making it to the quarterfinals was already an achievement. Going head to head to last year’s South Division champion was a very tough task to face. A lot of critics already handed us our death certificate,” Kallos went on.
“Game preparation was the key to our performance in the playoffs. We didn’t allow the great challenge to conquer us. We played like it was our last game.”
Bicol saw its campaign hounded by different controversies. Lead point guard Alwyn Alday called out the team’s previous owner in Gil Orense due to a list of unpaid salaries.
The fiery mentor then extended his gratitude to Mark Tan, who carried over the team’s ownership after Orense.
“I thank Bicol Volcanoes LCC stores team owner Mark Tan for his efforts in keeping our team afloat. Our big love and thanks to our families and also our fans who never stop supporting the team,” he added.
Kallos ended his statement by thanking both his players and his staff for still working hard despite the issues that hampered their stint.
“I am so proud of my players who were not starters in their former teams. They came out of their shell and played so hard to make this far. Hats off to my coaching staff who made it easy for me to coach this team as they contributed to teams’ game preparation, scouting, and motivation.”
Story by Jonash Dannug
