FOR veteran coach Jamike Jarin, his return to collegiate basketball felt both familiar and refreshing.
The outspoken tactician officially began his new chapter with Lyceum of the Philippines University on Saturday in the FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup, absorbing an 87-66 defeat against Mapúa in his first game back in the amateur ranks after several years in the PBA.
But beyond the result, Jarin saw the game as part of the bigger picture.
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“It’s been three months since we took over,” said Jarin. “Malayo pa to where we really want to be. That’s why you enter these preseason tournaments to see what is needed.”
The longtime coach admitted the Pirates are still adjusting to his system, especially with a roster blending holdovers and new recruits.
Still, for Jarin, the transition back to the collegiate scene has already brought back a different kind of fulfillment.
“Syempre, nakakamiss din eh,” he shared.
“To coach these young men, it’s beyond basketball.”
That sense of mentorship has long defined Jarin’s coaching journey.
Before returning to the NCAA, Jarin spent the last several years in the professional ranks with the Phoenix Fuel Masters.
Prior to that, he built a respected basketball résumé, first gaining recognition in Ateneo High School where he served as head coach from 1998 to 2010 while also working as an assistant coach for the Ateneo senior team from 2005 to 2010.
He later transitioned to college when he steered San Beda to the NCAA Season 92 title before moving to the UAAP with the National U from 2017 to 2019.
Now with Lyceum, Jarin embraces another rebuilding challenge - one he admitted will not be easy.
“Very, very challenging,” he said. “Hopefully in the next three months, we’ll be ready for the NCAA.”
Part of that process includes bringing back injured forward Mclaude Guadaña as well as further developing Mat Rubico into one of his go-to guys, a player whom Jarin believes has the talent to eventually thrive despite his youth and inexperience.
Yet even in the face of a tough rebuild Jarin takes solace in how he was welcomed by the university.
“I’m very, very happy with the way Lyceum has embraced me,” he said, while also thanking the Laurel family and school officials for the opportunity.
After years away from the college game, Jarin is once again pacing the sidelines in red - only this time, in a different shade - hoping to build another competitive program from the ground up.
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