MANILA, Philippines – Hinugot ng San Sebastian College si alumnus Egay Macaraya bilang bagong coach at umaasang magbabago ang kapalaran ng Stags para sa darating na NCAA men’s basketball tournament.
“Yes, I was appointed and I started holding practice last Monday,” sabi ni Macaraya kahapon sa press briefing para sa pakikipagtambal ng kanyang PBA D-League team Cafe France sa Freego at Cafe France sa Belair, Makati City.
Si Macaraya ang magiging ikatlong coach ng Stags sa huling dalawang taon matapos sina Rodney Santos at Topex Robinson.
Umaasa si Macaraya na maigigiya niya ang San Sebastian sa NCAA title matapos matulungan ang Centro Escolar U sa limang National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (NAASCU) championships at ang Cafe France sa PBA D-League crown noong 2015.
“Of course, I want to win a championship with San Sebastian,” sabi ni Macaraya. “But this is a rebuilding year and a Final Four appearance will already be a big accomplishment for the team.”
Dadalhin ni Macaraya si dating pro at kapwa San Sebastian alumnus na si Eugene Quilban bilang isa sa kanyang mga assistants.
Nanalo si Macaraya ng NCAA championship bilang player noong 1985 at naging bahagi naman si Quilban ng two-year reign ng Stags noong 1988 at 1989.
Noong 1990 ay ginabayan ni Macaraya ang San Sebastian juniors at seniors team at nanalo ng high school championship bago muling naglaro sa sumunod na taon.