San Sebastian College-Recoletos is in the process of selecting its next head coach for the Golden Stags ahead of the upcoming NCAA season. Five candidates are being considered, including a former NCAA standout and a seasoned junior-level tactician.
Leading the shortlist are young and promising coaches Rob Labagala and Jeff Perlas.
Labagala, a former University of the East Red Warrior, has been coaching since his retirement from professional basketball in 2015.
He has served as an assistant coach under Josh Reyes for Gilas Boys, Jeff Napa at National University, and Perlas at Centro Escolar University.
The founder of Passion Sports, Labagala is currently an assistant coach for MPBL team Starhorse-Basilan.
(C) UCAL
Perlas, on the other hand, is a champion coach in the UCAL, having led the Centro Escolar University Scorpions to the title in the league’s sixth season.
A former assistant to Topex Robinson at Lyceum, he is now the head coach of the MPBL squad QC-Toda Aksyon.
Also in contention for the position are former San Sebastian players Rodney Santos and Raymond Valenzona.
Santos previously served as the head coach of the Stags in NCAA Season 91. Meanwhile, Valenzona, the son of legendary coach Turo Valenzona, is also being considered for the role.
Another name in the mix is Joe Silva, a former assistant coach under Perlas at CEU.
Silva is best known for his time as the head coach of the Ateneo Blue Eaglets and is currently the lead deputy of Jeff Cariaso for PBA team Blackwater.
The San Sebastian community is eager to restore its basketball program to its former glory, reminiscent of its dominant run from 1993 to 1997, which featured stars like Santos, Rommel Adducul, Banjo Calpito, Buboy Tanigue, Brixter Encarnacion, Rommel Daep, Jasper Ocampo, and Robinson.
The Golden Stags also reigned supreme in 1988 and 1989 under the leadership of the late Eugene Quilban and Bong Alvarez.
The team’s last championship came in 2009, while their most recent Final Four appearance was five years ago.
However, with 12 NCAA titles since their first in 1973, the Stags remain one of the league’s most decorated programs.
San Sebastian’s basketball management aims to finalize its coaching decision by the end of the week, ensuring ample time for preparation.
The school is looking for a long-term commitment from its next head coach, with the goal of building a strong program that could attract future Gilas Pilipinas prospects.
