Lyceum of the Philippines University has officially named decorated mentor Jamike Jarin as the next head coach of the Pirates, signaling a new chapter for the program in the NCAA.
Jarin becomes the fourth head coach in LPU’s NCAA history, following the tenures of Bonnie Tan, Topex Robinson, and Gilbert Malabanan.
Dr. Allan Layco, Ph.D., LPU’s athletic director, shared the rationale behind the move:
“After a long deliberation, our president, Atty. Bobby Laurel, chose Coach Jamike as the Pirates’ new head coach because he represents the values of the school, which are excellence, integrity, and service. Through his career in basketball, he not only won championships, he did so the right way while developing not just players who excelled on the court, but also as individuals off of it.”
This appointment marks Jarin’s return to the NCAA after a decade, having last led San Beda University to the championship in NCAA Season 92.
“Siyempre, first, I’m very grateful to the Lyceum community, and especially to President Atty. RPL (Robert P. Laurel), our athletic director Sir Allan, and Sir Randy (Sacdalan), for allowing me to be part of their institution and university. It’s a great honor,” said Jarin.
“It’s been 10 years since the last time I was in the NCAA. I’m excited to be back coaching in college and mentoring these young men again. Coaching never stops, and learning never stops. I’ve been blessed to coach for this long. We’re coming in with a lot of new ideas and fresh approaches. In my heart of hearts, we’ll be coming in with a different mindset.”
Jarin began his coaching career at Ateneo High School, where he steered the Blue Eaglets to eight UAAP championships. He also led Gilas Pilipinas Youth at the 2014 FIBA Under-17 World Championship in Dubai, UAE. During this period, he served as an assistant coach for both the Ateneo Blue Eagles and the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters.
In 2015, he moved to San Beda University before taking over the National University team from 2017 to 2019. Jarin then transitioned to the professional ranks, coaching Phoenix Super LPG in the PBA for the past five years.
“As of now, to be honest, I’ve been focused on Phoenix for the past five years. I know they lost a few players, but I’m excited about what they have right now,” Jarin said.
He added, “We need to prioritize the players we have on the team now, and decisions have to be made quickly. The days will be long, but the years go by faster. That’s how you build a program. We have to focus on what we have right now, and those are the things we need to pay attention to.”
The final shortlist of LPU also included Gilbert Lao and Gabby Severino.
Jarin now turns his focus to rebuilding the Pirates, who missed out on the Final Four last season. “We’re still going to play hard-nosed defense and play the right way,” he assured.
With a decorated coaching resume and a commitment to both player development and winning the right way, Jarin’s return to the NCAA promises a new era for LPU.
