New collegiate coaches look to start out momentum

FILE–Former PBA coach Chris Gavina takes over for UE Crimson Warriors within the UAAP males’s basketball event. –INQUIRER FILE

MANILA, Philippines—This yr’s installment of the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup will characteristic three colleges below new tutelage.

Whereas it’s simple to give attention to the College of the Philippines and Mapua because the defending champions of the UAAP and NCAA, respectively, some groups can even be placed on discover—particularly San Sebastian, Jose Rizal College, and the College of the East.

These three colleges shall be led by new coaches, beginning with the Golden Stags, who will now be steered by Rob Labagala.

Labagala, finest recognized for his stint with Ginebra within the PBA, now has his personal crew to arrange after serving as an assistant for Josh Reyes within the Gilas Youth program and for Jeff Napa on the Nationwide College teaching workers.

The Heavy Bombers, one other staple squad within the NCAA, can even have new management below coach Nani Epondulan.

Epondulan isn’t any stranger to the NCAA. In reality, he gained the league’s 1990 MVP award after enjoying for JRU. He’s additionally skilled as a coach, having served as deputy for Mapua tactician Randy Alcantara.

UE, which created fairly a buzz within the UAAP this previous season, can even check its chemistry with new coach Chris Gavina within the preseason video games introduced by ABC Tile Adhesive.

Gavina, a seasoned PBA coach with Rain or Shine and Kia, shall be testing his mettle on the collegiate stage.

Earlier than that, he’ll use the preseason as a measuring stick for Season 88, with Valuable Momowei, Wello Lingolingo, and John Abate main the cost.