MANILA, Philippines – Longtime PBA import Sean Chambers has been named head coach of the Far Eastern University Tamaraws in the UAAP.
FEU announced Chamber’s appointment on Monday.
JUST IN: PBA legend Sean Chambers has been named as the new head coach of the FEU Tamaraws in the UAAP.
The school announced the appointment on Monday as Chambers replaces Denok Miranda. @PhilippineStar @StarSportsHub @PhilstarNews pic.twitter.com/g5MB7vEuYa— John Bryan Ulanday (@bryanulanday) March 18, 2024
The former player best known as the resident import of Alaska in the PBA thus replaces Denok Miranda, who’s now the head of the FEU basketball program, including the juniors team..
In a statement, the 59-year-old Chambers said he is “profoundly grateful and humbled” to be given the chance to return to the Philippines and call the shots for the Tamaraws
“Over the years, I’ve closely observed the evolution and spirit of Philippine Collegiate Basketball, witnessing the remarkable growth and development of young players,” said Chambers.
“I firmly believe there is ample opportunity for me to contribute to their journey towards reaching their fullest potential on and off the court. I am profoundly grateful and humbled by the opportunity to return to the Philippines as the Head Coach of the FEU Tamaraws.
“It is an honor to collaborate with FEU management and coaching staff, in our collective mission to reignite the winning culture at FEU,” he added.
Chambers’ name first floated in the UAAP scene back in 2020 when he applied for the then vacant UST coaching post but to no avail.
Now, the ex-PBA Best Import found a home in FEU for a fitting reunion with good pal and long-time teammae Johnny Abarrientos, who’s a Tamaraw legend and a staple coaching staff member.
Chambers, whose jersey No. 20 was retired by Alaska, and Abarrientos won six championships together in the PBA, including the 1996 grandslam.
Hopes are high for the American guru to instill the same winning magic for the Tamaraws, the winningest program in UAAP history with 20 titles albeit their last crown was still in 2015.
Chambers will have his hands full in trying to improve the Tamaraws’ campaign from Season 85, with the Morayta-based cagers finishing seventh with a 5-9 win-loss card.
FEU, under Olsen Racela then Miranda, missed the Final Four in back-to-back seasons after owing the longest semifinal streak at eight seasons since 2013.
“After a successful playing career in the PBA, Coach Sean is excited to return to the Philippines, his second home and brings with him a wealth of experience with a career dedicated to education, coaching, and mentoring the youth,” said FEU in a statement.
“We ask for the support of the entire FEU community for Coach Sean and Coach Denok as we strive to build a championship contending program in the coming years.”