Rank Country Gold Silver Bronze Total
    View Today
    Sun, Nov 5

    Former No. 1 pick Rich Alvarez returns to PBA as Phoenix assistant

    Alvarez joins Jamike Jarin and Topex Robinson in Phoenix's rejigged coaching staff after Alas firing
    Sep 22, 2020
    PHOTO: Spin.ph / MPBL

    PHOENIX Super LPG was quick to fill the holes in its staff after it parted ways with coach Louie Alas.

    The team tapped multi-titled amateur coach Jamike Jarin and former PBA Rookie of the Year Rich Alvarez to reinforce its staff and assist interim coach Topex Robinson in leading the Fuel Masters’ campaign in the restart of the Philippine Cup inside the Clark Bubble.

    Team manager Paolo Bugia confirmed the team’s latest move on Tuesday.

    “They’ve been tapped to help coach Topex for this bubble conference,” said the Phoenix executive.

    But Bugia stressed the Fuel Masters will still see how Jarin and Alvarez could work and fit into their system.

    “Management will be assessing them during the tournament or until such time that they can be signed on a more permanent basis,” he said.

    Being part of a coaching staff in the league is nothing new to both Jarin and Alvarez.

    Jarin, 49, once served as among the deputies of coach Norman Black at Meralco before he left the team to accept the head coaching job at National University.

    He won eight championships with the Ateneo Blue Eaglets in the UAAP and steered the San Beda Red Lions to an NCAA men’s basketball title. He also steered the Batang Gilas to a stunning runner-up finish in the Fiba U-16 Championships in 2014 that led to a berth in the Fib U-17 World Cup.

    ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓

    Alvarez, 39, meanwhile, had his first coaching stint as part of the Mahindra/KIA staff (now Terra Firma) from 2016-2018.

    The coaching stint will mark his return to the league where he was the No. 1 pick of the 2004 rookie draft, taken ahead of college rival James Yap. He ended up playing 12 seasons in the pro league.

    SEE ALSO
    SEE ALSO

    The two will take the place of former deputies Caesar Polhen and Carmelo Alas, whose contracts were no longer renewed by the Fuel Masters.

    Jarin and Alvarez coming on board came almost two weeks after the team chose not to extend the term of head coach Alas. Jon Jacinto and Kristoffer Reyes are the other members of Robinson’s coaching staff.

    MORE FROM SPIN
    MORE FROM SPIN

      Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph

      Read Next
      Watch Now
      Sorry, no results found for
      PHOTO: Spin.ph / MPBL
    • POLL

      • Quiz

        Quiz Result