By MARK REY MONTEJO
Veteran mentor Jamike Jarin returns to the collegiate scene after being appointed as the newest head coach of Lyceum men’s basketball team in the NCAA, the school announced Friday, Jan. 30.
A seasoned tactician who has held titles in juniors, seniors, and professional ranks, Jarin brings his championship experience with the Pirates as he replaces Gilbert Malabanan.
Following his departure as consultant for the Phoenix Fuel Masters in the PBA, Jarin became the fourth coach for Lyceum since its official entry in the grand old league more than a decade ago.
Aside from Malabanan, Bonnie Tan and Topex Robinson previously held the role of head coach for the Intramuros-based squad that lost to eventual champion San Beda in the quarterfinals last season.
“After a long deliberation, our president, Atty. Bobby Laurel chose Coach Jamike as the Pirates’ new head coach because he represents the values of the school, which are excellence, integrity, and service,” said Dr. Allan Layco, Ph.D., LPU’s athletic director.
“Through his career in basketball, he not only won championships, he did so the right way while developing not just players who excelled on the court, but also as individuals off of it,” he added.
Jarin, a four-time PBA champion as assistant with TNT after his fruitful stint as Ateneo coach in juniors level, marked his comeback in the NCAA after he served as head tactician for the Red Lions, a squad he helped won the crown in Season 92 in 2016.
“Siyempre, first, I’m very grateful to the Lyceum community, and especially to President Atty. RPL (Robert P. Laurel), our athletic director Sir Allan, and Sir Randy (Sacdalan), for allowing me to be part of their institution and university. It’s a great honor,” said Jarin.
“It’s been 10 years since the last time I was in the NCAA. I’m excited to be back coaching in college and mentoring these young men again,” he added. “Coaching never stops, and learning never stops.”
Jarin vows to put premium in Lyceum’s defense as well as sharpening the program as they guns for a Final Four finish this time.
“We’re still going to play hard-nosed defense and play the right way,” Jarin concluded..
