IT was through 12 fruitful years in the PBA in which Sean Chambers built the foundation of his legacy as one of the greatest players to have played for the storied Alaska franchise and in Philippine basketball altogether.
With six championships, a Best Import nod, his jersey No. 20 retired, the 'Mr. 100 percent' title and an unrivaled 1996 grand slam, Chambers' résumé as a player is loaded.
READ: Sean Chambers feels he's home again after warm Johnny A, Jolas welcome
But as he ventures into coaching over two decades later, Chambers shared how he wasn't too keen on revisiting his stomping grounds to assume a head coaching role — with his incumbent post as player development coach for TNT Tropang Giga the most he can offer in the PBA today.
He ultimately found a home in Far Eastern University, UAAP's winningest men's basketball program with 20 championships, where he'll make his Philiippine head coaching debut come Season 87 later this year.
The reason for choosing to call the shots in college basketball over the pros?
His dream to 'coach at university level.'
"Being in the UAAP has always been a dream. I don’t think I’ve ever really thought of coaching in the PBA. I love helping out, but not ever did I have the desire to be a PBA coach. But to come back at the university level has been an absolute dream of mine and I’m absolutely honored by Mr. (Mark) Molina and the Montinola family for bringing me on board on this amazing opportunity," Chambers said.
Mr. 110 percent?
UAAP basketball season might still be months away, but Chambers brought some fighting words early ahead of his Tamaraws takeover.
And when asked on what he'd bring to the table as head coach in the UAAP, the Alaska great gave a strong reminder that he's 'not called Mr, 100 percent by accident.'
"I promised the (FEU) guys, I’m not called “Mr. 100%” just by accident. I guarantee that I’m going to be the hardest working coach in the UAAP. Nothing to take away from the current coaches who are here, but I just know what’s in my court, and what’s in my court is to give 110 percent on whatever I do.
"I’m trying to curb my expectations, but I don’t expect the turnaround to take that long. I want to have an instant impact on so many different levels, and I think we can do that. Just minor details, fundamentals of the game, and playing for one another," said Chambers.
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