A new dawn is on the horizon for University of the East.
The Red Warriors will undergo a major transition as Tanduay and the UE school management have decided not to renew the contract of head coach Jack Santiago, which expired on December 31.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Santiago served as the head coach of UE’s men’s basketball team for the past four seasons, accumulating a 9-23 record.
UAAP Season 87 marked his closest attempt at leading the team to the Final Four.
The Red Warriors concluded the season with a 6-8 record, earning a playoff berth against the Adamson Soaring Falcons for the last semifinal spot.
Unfortunately, UE fell short in the do-or-die match, losing 68-55, and extending their 16-year Final Four drought.
Now, UE’s management has begun the search for Santiago’s successor, assembling a shortlist of five candidates: Eric Altamirano, Frankie Lim, Ariel Vanguardia, Boycie Zamar, and Mike Buendia.
Eric Altamirano, the most decorated of the candidates, brings a wealth of experience to the table. At 58 years old, the University of the Philippines legend is a one-time UAAP champion, having led National University to the title in Season 77.
After NU parted ways with him in Season 79, Altamirano joined Alaska as an assistant coach from 2016 to 2019 before transitioning to focus on 3×3 basketball.
He served as the head trainer for Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas’s 3×3 program from 2019 to 2020 and briefly held the role of SBP 3×3 program director in 2024.
Frankie Lim and Ariel Vanguardia are also strong contenders, bringing extensive experience from their time in the PBA.
Lim, a four-time NCAA champion coach, served as the head coach of NLEX from 2022 to 2024. Meanwhile, Vanguardia, a former ABL champion, was at the helm of Blackwater from 2021 to 2023.
(L-R) UE High School Official Gerry Venturina, UE Junior Warriors Head Coach Karl Santos, UE Athletics Director Rod Roque, UE Lady Warriors Head Coach Jerry Yee, Tanduay Athletics’ Jerry Tiu, UE Team Manager Jared Lao, UE President Dr. Zosimo Battad, UE Senior Vice President for Finance Florence Sy, UE Board of Trustees member Wilson Young, former UE Red Warriors Head Coach Boycie Zamar
Boyzie Zamar, a familiar figure at UE, has already served as the Red Warriors’ head coach in two separate stints: from 2001 to 2003 and again from 2012 to 2013. He is also actively involved in the university’s athletics program.
Lastly, Mike Buendia is a long-time assistant coach, having spent years with Rain or Shine in the PBA and Colegio de San Juan de Letran in the NCAA.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Anton Brodett, founder of Phenom Championship Clinic and a key figure in the development of six UE student-athletes—Precious Momowei, John Abate, Nico Mulingtapang, Ronjie Go, Dylan Despi, and Nur Datumalim—is closely monitoring the coaching search.
Brodett expressed his support for the current shortlist, particularly praising the inclusion of his former mentor, Coach Eric Altamirano, and his good friend, Coach Mike Buendia.
“I’m thrilled to see Coach Eric and Coach Mike on the shortlist. Coach Eric has been a mentor to me, and I’ve seen firsthand how he builds championship-caliber teams. Meanwhile, Coach Mike is a trusted friend and someone I know will bring fresh energy to the Red Warriors,” said Brodett.
However, Brodett also acknowledged that he has not worked with Frankie Lim and Ariel Vanguardia before.
“I don’t know Coaches Frankie and Ariel personally, so I can’t guarantee how they’ll fit into the program,” Brodett explained.
As for Coach Boycie Zamar, Brodett noted his familiarity with the veteran mentor, having worked with him currently at UE.
Regardless of who is chosen, Brodett assured his full support for the new head coach and pledged that he and his players would respect UE’s decision.
“Whoever UE decides to appoint as the next head coach, my boys and I will respect the decision,” he concluded.
