Colegio de San Juan de Letran is holding on to school legend Willie Miller — this time, in a retained role as team consultant to the Squires.
Miller, a two-time PBA MVP and a proud Letran alumnus, confirmed this on Wednesday through a heartfelt message, expressing deep gratitude to the institution and its supporters.
“Thank you, Letran. Thank you, Boss Frank Lao, Boss Jacob Lao, Strong Group Athletics, and Father Victor Calvo, OP. for the opportunity to coach, teach, and lead the Letran Squires,” wrote Miller.
“It was a privilege to serve my alma mater during such a historic season.”
Sources close to the situation revealed that Miller dropping down to a consultant role stemmed from an internal rule enforced by the Converge FiberXers, which prohibits any member of their coaching staff from concurrently holding a head coaching position with another team.
This same policy led to the earlier departure of Charles Tiu as Converge’s lead assistant coach ahead of the 2025 PBA Philippine Cup.
Tiu, who also serves as head coach of the College of Saint Benilde Blazers, stepped down from his FiberXers post.
Miller, who is assisting Converge team manager Franco Atienza and Pampanga Vice Governor Delta Pineda, had to vacate his role at Letran as part of honoring the same policy.
“We understand the situation with Coach Willie and Converge’s policy. We respect it and we’re just thankful that he still wants to help our boys in any way he can,” said Letran Athletics Director Fr. Vic Calvo, OP. “He’s still part of our family, and we value the work he’s done with our juniors team.”
Miller inherited the post from Allen Ricardo, who moved up to lead the Letran Knights.
(C) PBA Images
Under Miller, the Squires ended the elimination round with a 6-3 record — good enough for the second seed and a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four.
Unfortunately, Letran’s campaign was cut short in the semifinals after back-to-back heartbreakers to La Salle Green Hills, 78-74 and 78-77.
Miller took time to acknowledge the rest of his coaching staff, including Karl Santos, Alriches Luzame Reyes, Harold Nilo Sta. Cruz, Kevin Kent Racal, Jron Magcale, Bryan C. Cay, and Julianne Valencia.
“To my fellow coaches—thank you for the immense help and support,” he said.
He also expressed his admiration for the young athletes he mentored, many of whom had their first taste of a high-stakes NCAA season.
“To the Letran Squires players, both Team A and Team B, thank you for allowing me and the coaching staff to guide you, even if it was just for one season,” Miller wrote. “Our Season 100 journey was truly special and unforgettable—I will cherish it forever.
“Good luck to those moving up to the next level, and to those staying in high school basketball—keep working hard and stay disciplined. Don’t listen to people who don’t have your best interest at heart. Stay focused!”
Strong Group Athletics is now in search of a new head coach to lead the next chapter of the Squires’ storied program.
In the interim, Knights head coach and Letran basketball program director Allen Ricardo will oversee the training and development of the Squires.
“For now, Coach Allen Ricardo will be in charge of the Squires’ training sessions,” added Fr. Calvo.
