PUR - Toro out of running for Puerto Rico job

CANCUN (FIBA Americas Championship) - Julio Toro has ruled himself out of contention for the vacant Puerto Rico head coaching job after agreeing a deal with Mexican club Pioneros de Quintana Roo-Cancun.

Toro, who coached Puerto Rico between 1999 and 2006, said he was grateful to have been considered for the position again, but felt the job with Pioneros was too good an opportunity to pass up at this stage in his career.

"I'm very grateful to the Basketball Federation of Puerto Rico for having been considered," he said. "But there was a good opportunity for me, and I will take it."

Puerto Rico are seeking a coach ahead of the FIBA Americas Championship in September and the Pan American Games in October.

Veteran coach Flor Melendez now appears to be the frontrunner for the job, although federation president Carlos Beltran will not be drawn on speculation.

However, Toro appeared to back Melendez.

"I wish luck to whoever takes over as coach, because the Olympic qualifiers will be a very difficult challenge.

"I know (Melendez) is someone who legitimately wants to be there, who wants the opportunity, so we need to see if it materialises."

FIBA