UE, SSC parade new coaches in 'Flying V'

MANILA, Philippines - Coming into the 2011 Filoil Flying V Pre-Season Premier Cup, NCAA’s San Sebastian College and UAAP’s University of the East share something in common – playing under a new coach.

The Stags, the Filoil Flying V tournament winner last year, are welcoming back battle-tested bench tactician Arturo “Turo” Valenzona.

Valenzona, who at 68 is the oldest varsity coach in the land, has steered the Stags to four straight titles in 1993-1996 and back-to-back titles in 2001-2002.

‘’I’m happy to be back at San Sebastian although we’re starting all over again,’’ said Valenzona, taking over from his former ward Ato Agustin who’s now calling the shots for San Miguel Beer in the PBA.

Valenzona’s return to the SSC fold wasn’t as smooth as he expected, though, with a couple of key players – Calvin Abueva and Ronald Pascual – reportedly not as welcome as their teammates.

But after a time, the problem was sorted out and Abueva and Pascual are now back in the Stags’ stable, ready to lead the team to another run in this year’s Filoil Flying V tourney presented by Mighty Bond Extreme Elastoseal in cooperation with Total, ABS-CBN Samahang Basketbol Ng Pilipinas and backed by Molten, TMS Ship Agencies, Inc., Cobra Energy Drink, Hanes, San Marino, BDO, Oxican, Gatorade, RCBC, Bacchus Energy Drinka and RX 93-9.

Joining Abueva and Pascual in the Stags roster this season are returnees Anthony Del Rio, Ian Sangalang, Jon Semira and Rey Gorospe.

UE, meanwhile, will now be under former star Warrior Jerry Codiñera.

Codiñera, who with Allan Caidic gave the Warriors their last UAAP title run in 1984-1985, faces an equally difficult task of steering UE back to contention.

Still, the former PBA superstar welcomes the challenge of trying to turn the fortunes of his beloved alma mater, albeit with a weakened line-up after its established stars either graduated or opted to go elsewhere.

Gone were veterans James Martinez, Raffy Reyes, Kid Rosopa and hotshot Paul Lee, who opted not to play his final year of collegiate eligibility.

‘’It will surely be difficult since it’s my first time to coach a college team but we’ll do our best to have a good run. We still have a lot of work to do but I do believe that with these players, we have the material to compete,’’ said Codiñera, who once coached the Teletech team in the PBL.

The Warriors’ campaign this season will hinge on holdovers Paul Zamar, now on his senior year, the vastly-improve Ken Acibar, Lucas Tagarda, Lord Casajeros, James Razon, Garrick Ayala, Erwin Duran and promising rookie Roi Sumang.