A foreign coach and a former Growling Tigers have just submitted their letters of intent to coach University of Santo Tomas.
Enter Thailand Men’s National Basketball Team head coach Chris Daleo, and St. Clare mentor Jinino Manansala.
Though reports have circulated that Daleo will only act as consultant for UST, he could actually come in as head coach for the Growling Tigers. The University Athletic Association of the Philippines is not under the Basketball Coaches Association of the Philippines.
Daleo frequently visited the Philippines when he was head coach of Hi-Tech Bangkok City and, later, during the Southeast Asian Games.
The passionate fans made him want to coach the Philippines.
“Always been in awe of Philippine basketball,” said the 55-year-old.
On the other hand, Manansala also wants a crack at coaching the Growling Tigers.
Manansala was supposed to be the head coach of the Tiger Cubs, replacing Bonnie Garcia. However, he, together with head coach Aldin Ayo and McJour Luib, resigned from their posts due to the Bicol bubble investigation.
Manansala was part of the training camp in Capuy, Sorsogon.
The former Growling Tiger, who played for Aric Del Rosario from 1999 to 2003, guided St. Clare to four-straight NAASCU crowns.
They join a list that includes Siot Tanquincen, Chris Cantonjos, Estong Ballesteros, Chris Gavina, Potit De Vera, Gilbert Lao, Ed Cordero, and Sean Chambers.
