‘WE, not me’ remains Alaska great Sean Chambers’ battlecry entering his debut head-coaching stint in the Philippines with Far Eastern University come UAAP Season 87.
But even before he could begin, Chambers was gladdened by the warm welcome he received from former teammates, with whom he shared the historic 1996 PBA grand slam during the glory days of the Uytengsu franchise.
In his first few days as FEU head coach, a pair of familiar faces welcomed the six-time PBA champion — one of whom even paid him a visit in his apartment with a unique housewarming gift: pomelos.
“I’m so lucky because Johnny A, when I first arrived, he was one of the first to come to my apartment. He brought me pomelo, so he brought me food […] Jojo Lastimosa also came to practice the other day.”
Chambers added: “Johnny’s been very supportive. He knows the triangle [offense]. He knows the way I like to implement things. He’s been my voice when I sometimes can’t say the words in Tagalog, Johnny’s been able to explain it for me but I told the guys: ‘Don’t worry, I’m gonna learn Tagalog as much as I can so I can go back and forth with them.’
“Johnny (Abarrientos) is not only one of the greatest FEU players but one of the greatest players in history to play in the Philippines. Johnny’s been Johnny A. He’s been just great and I think that kind of helps with the transition having him here.”
Alaska values live on
If there’s one key takeaway from his decorated Alaska career which he’ll carry as head coach, it’s the promise to do things the right way.
“First and foremost, really doing everything with integrity. We’re gonna do everything while putting the university first and foremost as our goal. Next is that we’re gonna be accountable for one another. We want everybody to be accountable not only to their teammates but also to the university. We’re gonna work hard and we’re gonna prepare like crazy.
“As we say with Alaska, the will to win is important but the will to prepare is vital. That’s what we’re gonna bring to the table — just details, a matter of details,” Chambers said.
And whether or not Alaska’s signature triangle offense under multi-titled mentor Tim Cone will live on at FEU, Chambers said it will — but ‘with Sean Chambers flair.’
“Now of course, everybody wants to know: ‘Are we gonna run the triangle?’ We’ll run the triangle but it’s a little bit with Sean Chambers flair. It won’t look like Coach Tim Cone’s, but it’ll be similar in some aspects.”
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