It’s been four years since Hyram Bagatsing last played competitive basketball.
Toward the tail end of his professional career, he suited up for Platinum Karaoke in the now-defunct PBA 3×3 league.
Since then, he moved to the corporate world, becoming the vice president for development of Channel Technologies, Incorporated.
But the game has always had a way of bringing one back. Couple that with the opportunity to return to his alma mater, and Bagatsing found himself back home coaching De La Salle-Zobel.
“Actually, it was Boss Joey Marquez, our team manager at 16U. He was one of the guys I would play basketball with at One La Salle. So he reached out. They were saying they were looking for new coaches, so I was open,” shared Bagatsing, who replaced Penny Laureaga.
“Buti na lang everything worked out.”
Last Saturday, he made his debut as the Junior Archers’ head coach in the UAAP Season 89 Juniors Basketball Tournament.
And he did not come alone.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Joining him were some of his good friends from his playing days at DLSU, including Joshua Webb, LA Revilla, and Thomas Torres. Having his long-time friends by his side has made the transition not only easier but also more enjoyable.
“I’m just really happy I’m still with them throughout college, pro, and now coaching. We’re still together. It’s a good dynamic because it’s like I have three other head coaches with me,” he said.
“I’m just very happy that I’m still with my group from La Salle days.”
It was a debut to remember for the former Green Archer, as he and his staff steered DLSZ to a 101-83 victory over archrivals Ateneo Blue Eagles to open their campaign.
Moving forward, Bagatsing, of course, wants to lead the Junior Archers to the title.
But more than winning championships, he wants to play a major role in molding the young men under his tutelage — not just for their future in basketball, but also for life beyond the court.
“I just want to instill the La Sallian values of being good people off the court. Just having good character and playing the right way. Being disciplined, sharing the ball, being unselfish,” he said.
“If they just get to learn that and develop in that and be good players off the court, that’s our main goal, just to develop them.”
