Garcia, Letran finalize two-year coaching deal

MANILA, Philippines - Caloy Garcia yesterday agreed to a two-year contract with the Letran Knights, officially ending the search for Louie Alas replacement.

Garcia initially signed an offer sheet after the proposed deal with former mentor Larry Albano fell through. But he did not sign a contract until after some minor kinks were ironed out.

Garcia was given a guaranteed two-year contract plus a provision to bring in three assistant coaches of his choice to help the Knights rebuild their basketball program.

“It’s finally official. I just signed a two-year contract with Letran kanina lang. They allowed me to bring three assistant coaches while Gerard Francisco and Ronjay Enrile will stay in the coaching staff,” Garcia told Philstar.com.

Garcia will bring in Elvis Tolentino and Ricky Umayam as his deputies and is reserving the last slot to Mike Buendia pending the College of St. Benilde’s choice of its head coach.

Buendia and former St. Francis College coach Gabby Velasco are reportedly battling it out for the Blazers’ head coaching position.

Garcia will hold his first practice session with the team tomorrow as they will play the Blazers, whom he handled for three seasons from 2005-08, in the Fr. Martin’s Cup on Sunday.

The top deputy of Yeng Guiao in Rain or Shine is planning to lure back top Knight Kevin Alas, who earlier expressed skepticism of returning for his last playing year due to his hectic schedule with his PBA D-League team and the Gilas cadet pool.

But Garcia is optimistic as Louie Alas personally congratulated him after signing the contract.

“Kinongratulate na ako ni coach Louie (Alas) at sabi niya he’s hoping that his son Kevin will make up his mind and return for his last playing year,” Garcia added.

Letran, meanwhile, has given Buendia until Monday to decide whether to get in Garcia’s coaching staff or wait for the Blazers’ head coaching choice. – Alder Almo/Contributor