Compton eyed as next Ateneo coach

MANILA, Philippines - Alex Compton, who won MVP awards while playing for the MBA and the PBL, looms as a strong candidate to replace Norman Black as head coach of the Ateneo Blue Eagles.

The 38-year-old Compton, an American who was born in the Philippines, is being considered as Ateneo’s new coach starting next year, according to team representative Ricky Palou.

“Alex is seriously being considered,” said Palou, adding that the sweet-shooting guard who also had stints as assistant coach in the PBA has already been interviewed for the job.

But Palou said Compton wants to make sure that he doesn’t step on anyone’s toes.

“What he said was he wants to make sure the picture is clear if and when he comes in,” said Palou, who also mentioned the names of Sandy Arespacochaga and Jamike Jamarin as candidates.

Black left Ateneo last month after winning five consecutive titles in eight years on the job, and moved on to become the head coach of Talk N Text in the PBA.

Palou said Arespacochaga, who served as Ateneo coach before Black assumed the post in 2005, is still being considered although the latter remains undecided.

“Everybody likes Sandy, especially the players, to be our head coach. But he seems to be undecided yet on accepting the job,” said Palou.

Bo Perasol was already in the position to replace Black but a recent turn of events had the former turning down the offer.

“So, the school hasn’t decided yet,” said Palou. “We’re still looking at others but as of now it could be a choice among Alex Compton, Sandy and Jamike.”