Arellano University has named Chico Manabat as the new head coach of its men's basketball team as the Chiefs eye to begin a fresh campaign in NCAA Season 99.
Manabat, who will replace Cholo Martin at the helm, was formally welcomed on Thursday at the Arellano camp and immediately convened the team for his first practice with the Chiefs.
"Malaking karangalan para sa akin ito na pinagkatiwalaan ako ng Arellano sa programa nila. Isa lang 'yung gusto natin, na maibalik ang Chiefs sa mga contenders sa NCAA," Manabat said in a press release.
The 44-year-old Manabat is fresh off a championship run with Centro Escolar University, which he steered to the UCBL crown. But while he's used to winning, Manabat said the NCAA is a different league and stressed he will try to improve his coaching capabilities.
"Different league ito kaya mas masusubukan yung capabilities ko. Pero same pa rin, dadalhin ko dito yung beliefs and system na nagpanalo sa atin sa CEU para mas mapadali yung rebuild natin dito," he said.
Manabat previously served as head coach for NU Nazareth School Bullpups and Grace Christian College while also being the longtime deputy of coach Jeff Napa in Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
He will inherit an Arellano squad that finished with a 7-11 win-loss card in Season 98 with the likes of Axel Doromal, Neil Tolentino, and Mythical Team member Cade Flores leading the pack.
"'Yung culture na bini-build natin dito is one that is like a family kasi 'yung family ipaglalaban 'yung isa't isa. Tiwala naman tayo sa players na lalaban tayo hanggang sa kaya natin pangdate ng ng NCAA," he said.
Joining Manabat's staff are Manny Dandan, John Necesito, Jun Cuevas, Max Encila, and Alex Calueng.
—Bea Micaller/MGP, GMA Integrated News
