Abanilla keen to call the shots for Archers

MANILA, Philippines - Gee Abanilla, one of the mentors considered as a top candidate to take over De La Salle following the resignation of coach Dindo Pumaren, said there’s no offer yet but he’s open to taking the job.

“I’ve also been hearing things about me being considered for the post but so far no one’s approached me or talked to me (from DLSU),” said Abanilla on the same day La Salle announced it has accepted the resignation of Pumaren and his staff.

“If I’m actually offered, I’ll take it. It will be an honor to serve my alma mater and give back something to the school,” he added.

Abanilla played for the Green Archers team that won back-to-back UAAP titles in 1989-90. Interestingly, he was teammates with Pumaren in the 1988 squad.

He currently serves as first assistant coach for Petron Blaze in the pro league, one of the DLSU’s supporters, fanning fire to talks of his possible entry to the La Salle bench.

Pumaren and his assistants quit last Sept. 11 after the Archers failed to reach the Final Four for the second time in three years. DLSU said it accepted their resignations “with deep regret.”

“The University extends its appreciation to coach Dindo and his staff for their years of service and wishes them the best in their future endeavors,” La Salle said in a statement. “It also remains open to engaging them in the development of DLSU’s sports programs.”

Following the coaches’ exodus, DLSU has formed a basketball program review committee chaired by DLSU vice chancellor for Lasallian Mission and Alumni Relations Br. Bernard Oca, FSC, to “chart the direction of the men’s basketball team.”