Abanilla named Archers coach

MANILA, Philippines - Gee Abanilla was introduced to De La Salle University’s basketball supporters as the new head coach of the Green Archers yesterday, making his official appointment to the post all but a formality.

An official from the university’s sports office said DLSU Vice Chancellor for Lasallian Mission and Alumni Relations (VCLMAR) Bro. Bernie Oca told the DSLU “godfathers” of their choice of Abanilla as chief tactician during a consultation meeting at the Manila Polo Club.

Tycoon Danding Cojuangco, former PBA great Lim Eng Beng, former coach Franz Pumaren and broadcaster Mike Enriquez were among the DLSU “godfathers” and “elders” who attended the lunch-time gathering, according to the official.

The appointment of Abanilla, who was already introduced to the men’s basketball team earlier last week, will be formalized by today, said the source.

Also being considered in the new coaching staff are Jun Limpot, Juno Sauler and Tyrone Bautista.

Currently assistant at Petron Blaze in the PBA, Abanilla is set to take over the post vacated by Dindo Pumaren, who resigned after the Archers’ failure to reach the Final Four of the UAAP Season 74 men’s basketball tourney.

Abanilla played for La Salle-Zobel during his high school days and suited up for the Green Archers alongside Jun Limpot in back-to-back UAAP title romps in 1989 and 1990. He went to coaching after his playing years and served as lieutenant to Derrick Pumaren, Yeng Guiao, and now Ato Agustin at Petron.

He also handled DLSU’s sister school, College of St. Benilde in the NCAA in 2008.

The STAR sought Abanilla for comment but said he was in a meeting at presstime. In an earlier interview, he had expressed his desire to take the job, saying “it’s an honor to serve my alma mater and give back something to the school.”