RODNEY Santos is back at the helm of his alma mater San Sebastian.
The former PBA guard has been officially appointed as the head coach of the Stags, in time for the upcoming NCAA Season 102 men's basketball tournament.
"Tiyaga lang. Mahirap ang pagdadaanan ng team pero ang request ko naman sa players is laban lang," the former Stag told SPIN.ph.
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Santos has been serving in an interim capacity for the Golden Stags following the abrupt departure of Tony Tan even before he could settle in the job.
The former Alaska guard endured San Sebastian's winless campaign in the 19th Filoil Ecooil Preseason Cup and is scampering to prepare the team for the new season which is just less than two months away.
"Sabi ko nga sa mga pari, hindi ko sila iiwanan. Kahit paano mo tingnan, wala ako kung hindi dahil sa San Sebastian kaya talagang ilalaban ko ang mga batang ito," he said.
It marked an unexpected return for Santos who previously served the same role back in 2015 where he guided the Golden Stags to a seventh-place finish with their 6-12 win-loss record in NCAA Season 91.
After 11 years, he'll try to surpass that with a veteran crew bannered by Ralph Gabat, Christian Ricio, and Niel Castor, as well as promising rookie Carlo John Ynot.
He will be the fifth coach for San Sebastian in four seasons as the once-proud program aims to get back to relevancy after years at the cellar.
Joining Santos' staff are former PBA players John Ferriols and Wynne Arboleda, as well as Louie Empleo and Migo Santos.
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