CALOY Garcia has been named head coach of Letran’s men’s basketball team in a surprise turn of events after the school failed to strike a deal with original choice Larry Albano.
Garcia, a former head coach of College of St. Benilde and current assistant at Rain or Shine in the PBA, confirmed to Spin.ph that he signed a one-year deal to coach the Knights in the next NCAA season on Tuesday afternoon.
"Konting adjustments na lang ang gagawin sa Letran kasi maganda naman ang ginawa ni coach Louie (Alas) dito," said Garcia, who had been told last week of the decision to pick Albano as Alas' replacement.
Garcia said his first order of business after signing the contract was to call Alas to inquire on whether the team's top star, Kevin Alas, would be returning for a final season with the school.
"Ang sabi sa akin ni coach Louie, depende raw sa bata," Garcia, also a Letran alumnus, said.
Garcia said the school wants to appoint Ronjay Enrile, Gerald Francisco, and Wilmon Yu as his assistant coaches, although he has asked permission to bring in some of his people as well.
The development ends months of uncertainty and speculation over a coaching position vacated by Alas, who had led the team to a runner-up finish behind San Beda last season.
“Thank GOD! Finally may Coach na ang Letran and it’s official! Coach Caloy Garcia!” Alas posted on his recently created account, @CoachLouieA.
Garcia interviewed for the job but confirmed to Spin.ph himself last week that he had been informed by school officials of the decision to pick old-hand Albano, who led the Knights to three titles in the eighties with a team led by Samboy Lim.
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