MANILA, Philippines — Itinalaga ng Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) si Ateneo De Manila University assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga bilang head coach ng Batang Gilas.
Inihayag kahapon ni SBP president Al Panlilio ang pagpili kay Arespacochaga para hawakan ang national junior team na sasabak sa FIBA World Cup Under-19 tournament sa Hunyo at FIBA Asia Championships Under-16 na idaraos din sa taong ito.
“Sandy has proven his worth as a youth basketball coach. He has won championships in the high-school level and has been an active member of the highly successful Ateneo college basketball program,” ani Panlilio.
Hindi na bago si Arespacochaga sa trabaho.
Hinawakan nito ang Ateneo Blue Eaglets na nagkampeon sa UAAP juniors noong 1999 at 2000.
Malumanay ang coaching strategy ni Arespacochaga na bagay na bagay sa mga batang manlalaro ng Batang Gilas na pamumunuan ni 7-foot-2 Kai Sotto. Idaraos ang World Cup 2019 sa Heraklion, Greece.
“Sandy’s demeanor is perfect for our young players. He is a natural teacher whose method of teaching is what our young players will embrace and appreciate. He uses his strong communication skills and low key personality to get the best out of his personnel,” dagdag ni Panlilio.
Naging bahagi rin si Arespacochaga ng ilang PBA teams na Talk ‘N Text at NLEX.