Chico Manabat said that he remains the head coach of Arellano University after he was tapped by Converge to join its coaching staff in the PBA.
Manabat confirmed that he has joined the FiberXers alongside his Arellano deputy Manny Dandan as the franchise revamps its program ahead of a new conference in the PBA.
But he clarified he will retain his position as the Chiefs head coach, at least for now.
"Yes oo, actually nagsimula na ako kanina [with Converge]. Coach Franco [Atienza] will be the head coach and nando’n kami para tumulong lang kay Coach Franco," Manabat told GMA News Online on the sidelines of NCAA Season 100 juniors basketball tournament on Monday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
"Hindi lang ako, Coach Manny Dandan, dalawa kami. Kami ‘yung defensive assistant at consultant."
[Yes, actually I've started already earlier with Converge. Coach Franco will be the head coach and we're there to help Coach Franco... It's not just me. Coach Manny Dandan, it's both of us. We're the defensive assistant and consultant.]
Manabat's appointment is the latest move by Converge, which recently let go a number of assistant coaches in Charles Tiu, Gelo Vito, Nico Francisco, and Paulo Maliglig. Converge also bid goodbye to veteran guard Alex Cabagnot.
Recently, the franchise also made a one-for-one trade to acquire Rey Suerte from Blackwater in exchange for BJ Andrade.
"Hindi ako aalis sa Arellano. Actually mag-aaral pa ako sa Arellano and nakausap ko si chairman for my MBA. Gusto ko maging alumni din ako ng Arellano. Major in English ako," Manabat added.
"Walang aalis. Program head ako pero as a coach, tignan natin ‘pag malapit na ang NCAA."
[I'm not leaving Arellano. Actually, I'm still going to study in Arellano and I've spoken to chairman for my MBA. I want to be an alumni of Arellano. I'm majoring in English. No one's leaving. I'm program head but as a coach, we'll see when the NCAA comes closer.]
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
