FRANKIE Lim knows he has work cut out for him after he was officially named the new head coach of the University of Perpetual Help last Wednesday.
A winner of four NCAA championships with San Beda, the temperamental head coach faces the challenge of trying to turn around the fortunes of an Altas squad coming off a four-win season.
The departure of key players in Gab Dagangon and GJ Ylagan only made the job harder, even if he will still have Prince Eze as a cornerstone.
"I’ll just do whatever I can. Sabi ko nga sa inyo, kahapon (Wednesday) lang ako na-appoint eh. Since July pa naman ang NCAA, at least may kaunting preparation. A few months," said Lim after watching games during the PBA D-League opening day.
"Pagdating ko ito na yung team eh. Marami nag-graduate. When I first attended the practice, this was the team that I saw. Just make the best out of it," he added
Lim came onboard as a consultant for the Altas last November, but found himself elevated to the head-coaching role after Nic Omorogbe's abrupt departure.
"After our break, I think Nick had to leave or come back to Nigeria because of some family matters. Two days ago maybe … I think he submitted his resignation. So that was what happened," Lim said.
He declined to go into details about his contract, only saying, "(I'll stay) as long as the chairman wants me here."
Despite being away from the collegiate scene for nearly seven years, Lim said he never really took his eyes off the NCAA, keeping up with the trends and changes in the league.
That's why when he was asked to give an assessment on the playing field, Lim named four teams which he expects to be the barometer come next season.
"Siyempre you have San Beda who’s always been there in the finals. Si Lyceum is getting stronger. Nakita n'yo naman yung game dito kanina, malakas pa rin sila. They’re intact," Lim said.
"I heard Letran is building up. San Sebastian is getting stronger. A lot of work to do with this team. Sana we could recruit well for the coming years."
While the goal is to end Perpetual Help's years of futility in the league, Lim already feels blessed to be back coaching after controversy ended an otherwise successful stint with the Red Lions.
"Siyempre nakaka-miss mag-coach. It’s maybe a blessing din. Everything fell into its proper place."
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