Agustin Stays As SSC Five Head Coach

MANILA, Philippines - Ato Agustin will remain the head coach of the reigning NCAA titlist San Sebastian
until the end of the 86th basketball season.

“He’s still our coach,” said NCAA Management Committee chair Frank Gusi of the host SSC.

This came about after San Miguel Beer tapped Agustin to handle the Beermen in their 86-89 loss to Coca-Cola Tigers in the PBA Fiesta Conference last Wednesday.

The SMB management, however, clarified that Agustin, a former MVP with San Miguel, remains one of the assistant coaches to mentor Siot Tanquincen.

“He is very eligible to coach in the NCAA because our constitution and by-laws only prohibits coaches in pro leagues from coaching in this league, not assistant coaches,” said Gusi.

“We do that to all our coaches, it’s part of their training,” San Miguel official Robert Non said.

The Beermen’s move brought to mind the case of Arellano coach Leo Isaac, who had to leave the Chiefs and the Mapua Cardinals after he was promoted from consultant to head coach of the Barako Bull last year.

Agustin took over the coaching reins from Jorge Gallent last year and steered the Stags to title victory over the San Beda Lions last year.

SSC retained the core of its champion team, headed by Calvin Abueva, John Raymundo, Ian Sangalang, Ronald Pascual, Gilbert Bulawan and Dave Najorda, making it the team to beat this year.

Joey Villar, Philippine Star