Another failed title run is not dampening Charles Tiu's hopes of winning an NCAA title one day as he looks to return to the sidelines of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde for Season 101.
Tiu said that as far as he knows, he'll still call the shots when the Blazers open their redemption tour next year after two bridesmaid finishes in the last four editions.
"With Benilde, I think I’ll probably stay. They haven’t told me otherwise. I mean, it’s open-ended and it’s obviously disappointing right now but probably, as of now, my mind is still focused on winning one and hopefully I can bring it to Benilde," Tiu said after Benilde absorbed a series sweep to Mapua University on Saturday.
Tiu's statement came amidst talks that he is set to take on a bigger role for Converge, where he currently serves as an assistant coach to Franco Atienza.
Tiu said his focus is still on giving Benilde its first title since 2000 — a feat they came close to achieving in Seasons 98 and 100, but both occasions saw them tumble to eventual champions Colegio de San Juan de Letran and Mapua.
"I guess back to the drawing board. I really wanted to win now so I could rest, but I’m still hungry for a championship here in the NCAA," added Tiu, who assumed the Benilde head coaching job starting in Season 97.
"Hopefully we can stay with this team again, this core."
He, however, remains uncertain what pieces he can use next year with the likes of Allen Liwag and Tony Ynot still unsure of their future plans.
Good thing for Benilde, though, is they will welcome a couple of prized recruits in Season 100 with big man Shawn Umali and former UST cager SJ Moore.
"I don’t know about the plans of Liwag, Ynot, if they’ll stay or move on. But, hopefully they can stay. We still have a lot of recruits. We just have to prepare," Tiu shared.
"For me, I have the PBA. But obviously, Benilde is kind of like my baby and I really want to win with this school. One day, hopefully."
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
