ESTONG Ballesteros has been handed the reins to the University of the East Junior Warriors.
UE head of basketball operations Lawence Chongson confirmed the development following the sudden exit of Anton Brodett with a little over a month before high school basketball season starts.
"Baka blessing in disguise pa nga sa amin ito. Si Estong, matagal na ito dito at talagang experienced na siya pagdating sa UAAP," he said.
The 46-year-old Ballesteros, who played for 10 years in the PBA and had stints with Shell, Coca-Cola, Ginebra and Welcoat, was a longtime deputy of coach Pido Jarencio in his alma mater University of Santo Tomas before leaving Espana in 2014.
Ballesteros is also in coach Bong Tan's staff with the Red Warriors in the seniors division and had served as an assistant coach to Chongson in his Tanduay squads. He is also head coach of the Philippine National Police in the UNTV Cup.
"Nagpapasalamat lang ako, pero sa akin naman, tuloy lang ang trabaho," said Ballesteros, who will still have Rob Labagala and Paolo Romero in his staff for the UAAP Season 82 juniors basketball tournament.
UE is looking to fare better this season after finishing with a 2-12 record last year, now armed with studs like Jericho Montecalvo, CJ Austria, and Vehnjo Maximo.
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