(PBA image)
The Macau Black Knights are making a change on the sidelines in hopes of finally turning their campaign around in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Macau has appointed former ASEAN Basketball League Most Valuable Player Marcus Elliot as its new head coach, replacing Garrett Kelly after the guest team stumbled to an 0-3 start in the mid-season conference.
Kelly, however, remains with the team and has been reassigned as Director of Player Development.
For Elliot, the move marks a new chapter after a decorated 15-year professional career that saw him play for several clubs overseas and establish himself as one of the ABL’s most accomplished imports.
A former league MVP and Finals MVP, Elliot is no stranger to winning in Asian basketball. He was part of Hong Kong Eastern’s title-winning squad in the ABL and even shared the floor with former PBA top overall pick Christian Standhardinger during their championship run. Eastern went on to beat the Singapore Slingers, 3-1, in the finals of the 2016-17 season.
Now 41, Elliot is stepping into coaching after last seeing action as a player for Hi-Tech Basketball Club in the Basketball Thai League in 2024.
In announcing the move, the Black Knights expressed confidence that Elliot’s experience and leadership can help steer the team in a better direction.
“The new head coach brings years of Asian basketball experience and a trophy-laden career known for his sharp mind and fearless style. He’s ready to take the reins and lead the team to new heights,” the team said in a post on its social media account.
Elliot takes over a Macau squad still searching for its first win in its guest stint in Asia’s first professional pay-for-play league.
The Black Knights are coming off a 110-93 defeat to Barangay Ginebra last week, which turned out to be Kelly’s final game as head coach. Macau’s first two losses came against Rain or Shine, 116-109, and Converge, 102-94.
With Magnolia up next, Macau will now look to its new coach to spark the turnaround it badly needs.
