THE University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) is not alien anymore to basketball coach Jamike Jarin but he admits that as he makes his return to the league where he started, adjustments have to be made.
After leading the San Beda Red Lions to the National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball title last season, Mr. Jarin made the decision to leave the league and transfer to coach the National University Bulldogs at the UAAP.
While the move left many surprised, Mr. Jarin said it was a decision that he knew he had to make when it was offered for the new challenges it presented.
“It was a situation that presented itself. I’m a type of person who likes challenges and this is one opportunity that I’m really excited about because this is where I started,” said Mr. Jarin in an interview with BusinessWorld on the sidelines of the press conference for UAAP Season 80 earlier this week.
“I enjoyed my stay in the NCAA but I’m happy with my decision,” said Mr. Jarin, who replaced Eric Altamirano as NU coach and is set to continue his UAAP coaching career after stints with the Ateneo juniors and seniors teams in varying capacities.
As he makes his transition back to the UAAP, the NU coach said one of the biggest adjustments he has to make his getting the feel of the roster he has and using its full potential.
“With San Beda we are more of a half-court team but with NU we will be a fast one. We are still working on our game and hopefully we make the adjustments as the tournament moves along. In the first round our goal is to get the experience and in the second is to build on it and hopefully enter the Final Four and maybe the Finals thereafter,” said Mr. Jarin.
Suiting up for the Bulldogs under Mr. Jarin this season are the likes of J-Jay Alejandro, Issa Gaye, Matt Salem, Nico Abatayo, AJ Diputado and rookies Jonas Tibayan and Enzo Joson.
Incidentally, Mr. Jarin follows in the footsteps of Aldin Ayo, who left Letran after leading the Knights to the NCAA title in 2015 and steered the De La Salle Green Archers to the UAAP championship last year.
But Mr. Jarin was quick to downplay the similarity, dismissing it as mere coincidence.
“I’m not bigger than the UAAP. Coach Aldin is not bigger than the UAAP. It’s just a coincidence that we transferred from different leagues after leading our teams to the title. But it’s not about us. It’s about representing our schools in the UAAP and winning for our team,” said Mr. Jarin.
The Bulldogs will make their Season 80 debut on opening day on Saturday, Sept. 9, against the University of the East Red Warriors. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo
