When Rob Labagala stepped into the hallowed halls of San Sebastian College-Recoletos on Thursday afternoon, he couldn’t help but feel sentimental.
It had been 20 years since a young boy from Talisay, Cebu tried out for the Golden Stags. Though he eventually landed at nearby University of the East, Labagala always wondered: What if he had ended up with the Stags?
“Excited ako,” he shared with Tiebreaker Times. “Kasi nag-tryout lang ako dito before. Nakita ko nun yung winning culture nila.”
Two decades later, Labagala is back in Recto — this time as the Golden Stags’ head coach.
Becoming a head coach has been a long time coming for the former PBA pro. Labagala worked his way up the coaching ladder, starting as a skills coach at his own camp before honing his craft at UE, Centro Escolar University, National University, and even with Gilas Boys.
“Blessed ako mabigyan ng chance makapag-serve sa school with full of nobility and honor,” he continued.
(C) Jackson Chua
Labagala expressed his gratitude to the program’s new backers, Jackson and Eds Chua of Red Dynasty Seafood and Hotpot Restaurant, who have invested heavily to reignite San Sebastian’s basketball program.
The Golden Stags are currently in a 16-year title drought.
Supporting Labagala on the sidelines are assistant coaches Melo Navarro, Jay Cruz, and former Stags head coach Arvin Bonleon.
For the high school program, Cebuano coach Chelito Caro will take the helm, ensuring continuity and development for both teams.
Labagala isn’t setting lofty expectations for his first of three years at San Sebastian. Instead, his primary goal is to reignite the passion of the San Sebastian community for its sports programs.
“Excited to share and inspire sa players and staff namin to be the best person that they can be and to be the best team that we can be,” Labagala shared.
“Excited na ibuhos lahat ng passion and energy ko para mabalik ang glory for Baste.”
