Jamike Jarin is moving out of his comfort zone to face a new challenge
At the age of 46 years old, Jamike Jarin’s list of accomplishments is envious. Mentoring the youth team, winning multiple juniors division and seniors crowns both as lead assistant and head coach, and helping hone numerous cagers to the big league. And he did this under the umbrella of the MVP group.
However, Jarin, a prideful coach who always looks for a new challenge, will leave all of this behind. This year, he embarks on a new journey as he steers a young group of Bulldogs back to the upper echelon of the local collegiate scene.
But according to the champion mentor, never did he seek the job “left” by Eric Altamirano; instead, the opportunity just presented itself.
“The truth to the matter is, it was an opportunity that presented itself. I like challenges,” he said. “It’s a dream also to coach in the UAAP, yun ang one of the biggest reasons. Basically, it’s just a new challenge.
“I did not look for it. It just happened. It’s another challenge. I’m a competitor kasi so I’d like to see myself in a new situation, in a new environment.
“They [NU] had names in mind and I was one of them. E nandun na. It was hard to make the decision, but the opportunity presented itself,” he stressed.
The change of scenery though came with a cost. One of the conditions of taking the NU mantle was that he needed to leave all his other basketball-related duties behind. Jarin though remains confident that the San Beda Red Lions will still be formidable even without him.
“San Beda naman is losing only Dan Sara so I felt that I will be leaving San Beda na very competitive,” he shared.
Jarin has brought together a solid staff that will help him along the way. Dennis Llames, Ricky Reyes, former pros John Ferriols and Danny Ildefonso, and Cedric Labing-isa are set to join him in the Bulldogs’ camp.
The one-time NCAA champion coach though has only met his new players once, with their first formal practice scheduled only on Friday, January 5. That meet and greet excited Jarin and reinvigorated his competitive juices.
“Most of them, I competed against, some of them, I coached so let’s see. Alam naman nila how I run things. I’m excited, I’m sure they’re excited also,” he said.
“I need to evaluate the players first. Team A , Team B, Bullpups, let’s see what we lack.”
But still, he is not making any guarantees as he plans to take it one step at a time.
“Of course, we’d like to return to the Final Four. From there, we’ll see,” he shared.
“No false promises. Only thing I can promise is we’re going to come prepared.”
