Sean Chambers was a very successful basketball player in the Philippines during the 90s with Alaska in the PBA.
Fast forward to 2024, Chambers wants to be a very successful basketball coach here in the country, this time with Far Eastern University men’s team.
Trying to get that success and turn the Tamaraws’ fortunes around after back-to-back seasons not in the Final Four, Chambers is not looking to change the formula that made him one of the best imports to ever grace the PBA.
The six-time PBA champion is looking to implement the “triangle system” while also getting help from some of his former Alaska teammates.
But Chambers emphasized that the “triangle” may have been Coach Tim Cone’s trademark but he would do it in FEU with variations and change.
“Of course, everybody wants to know if we run the triangle, we run the triangle but there’s a Sean Chambers flair,” said Chambers in a conversation with reporters on Thursday during FEU’s women’s volleyball game against Ateneo.
“It won’t look like Coach Tim Cone’s but it would be similar in some aspects.”
The six-time PBA champion also has one of the best to ever don the FEU jersey by his side in Johnny Abarrientos.
The two went way back during their Aces days and having Abarrientos around is making the transition of Chambers easier.
Abarrientos has been an assistant coach for the Tamaraws for more than a decade already.
“Johnny’s been very supportive, he knows the triangle, he knows the way I like to implement things. He’s been my voice when sometimes I can’t say the words in Tagalog, Johnny has been able to explain it for me,” said Chambers.
“I told the guys don’t worry I’m gonna learn Tagalog as much as I can so I can go back and forth with them,” he continued, reiterating his desire to be Mr. 100 percent even as a coach.
Another former teammate of Chambers went to an FEU practice a few days ago in Jojo Lastimosa.
Lastimosa has two decades worth of experience as a coach for Alaska, NLEX, and TNT in the PBA.
“Jojo Lastimosa came to the practice the other day so it’s been a great transition for me. I know it’s a lot different for me than it would be for any other American coach,” said Chambers.
Although an American, Chambers spent 12 years in the Philippines as the resident import of Alaska from 1989 to 2001.
He was appointed as FEU coach in March this year, replacing Denok Miranda, who moved on to a front office role as the head of the school’s basketball program.
