CHICAGO - Jamike Jarin is one of the worst kept secrets in the PBA, an underrated coach who's quietly guided Phoenix to a 5-1 record in the ongoing Commissioner's Cup conference.
At No. 2 in the overall standings, the Super LPG are ahead of San Miguel, Ginebra, and all of the MVP group teams.
How exactly is this possible?
"Selfless basketball," Jarin told me in a telephone interview where he quickly credited "everyone in the organization" from up top all the way down to the utility staff.
In an import-laden tourney where foreign reinforcement is paramount, Jarin is pleased with Johnathan Williams III, a former Los Angeles Laker and Washington Wizard.
"We are very fortunate to have him. He does everything the right way. Imagine an import that leads the team in points (26.3), rebounds (14.1) and assists (5.6) per game.
AWESOME SUPPORT CAST
How about the guys surrounding Williams?
"I'm very happy with our local players, especially the leadership of our veterans, RJ Razul, RR Garcia, Jason Perkins, Raul Soyud and Javee Mocon. Being the youngest team in the PBA, their mentoring with the young ones will help them in their careers."
With Jason Perkins, Tyler Tio, Ken Tuffin and Ricci Rivero combining for 44.1 points and 17.1 rebounds a game, Phoenix has a solid core for seasons to come. Keeping them is another story as seen by the recent flight of Matthew Wright.
"I'm just looking at the next game," he said, clearly aware of the challenges independent teams deal with then attempting to retain talents.
That next game is a tough road swing versus star-studded Ginebra in San Jose, Batangas on December 9. It will be the sternest test for Phoenix, which bowed to Magnolia and won over NLEX, Rain or Shine, Blackwater, Terrafirma and Converge.
The reclamation job Jarin has done at Phoenix is impressive, but nor surprising. Among his triumphs include an NCAA championship with the Red Lions in 2016 and three titles with the Ateneo Blue Eaglets from 2008 to 2010.
UNDER THE RADAR
He's just low-key by nature, one who'd rather not be talked about. In fact, convincing him to do this interview piece felt like pulling a molar.
While Jarin isn't getting generous ink like his counterparts from the big, rich teams, he is actually a good copy.
He went to grade school and high school at San Beda, the same institution where he first won his title as a coach. Talk about a fairy tale homecoming.
Jarin spent college and took up biology at basketball powerhouse FEU. Instead of pursuing medical studies, though, Jamike went on to dissect basketball games instead and is nearing a masteral degree in that field.
And he learned from the best, citing Joe Lipa, Ricky Dandan, Joel Banal, Sandy Arrespacochaga, Norman Black, Chot Reyes and his high school coach, Dougles Tionloc, among his mentors.
In the end, it's all about family.
"My wife is my No. 1 supporter," he says of his beloved Jane. It's a union blessed with one child, a son named Iver who is in his second year of law school at Ateneo.
Happy home life equals happy work life.
That is the story of Phoenix head coach Jamike Jarin.
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