Macaraya named new Stags coach

MANILA, Philippines – San Sebastian has tapped alumnus Egay Macaraya to handle its seniors basketball team with hopes of coming up with a strong finish following so-so campaigns in the last two NCAA seasons.

“I started holding practice last Monday,” said Macaraya during yesterday’s press briefing announcing the partnership of his PBA D-League team Cafe France and Freego at Cafe France in Belair, Makati City.

Macaraya will be the Stags’ third coach in the last two years, replacing Rodney Santos, who took over from Topex Robinson two years ago.

Macaraya hopes to steer SSC back to the title throne after leading Centro-Escolar U to five National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (NAASCU) championships and Cafe France to the PBA D-League crown last year.

“I do want to win a championship with San Sebastian but this is a rebuilding year for us,” said Macaraya. “A Final Four appearance will be a big accomplishment for the team.”

Macaraya will bring in former pro and fellow SSC alumnus Eugene Quilban as one of his assistants.

Macaraya won an NCAA championship as a player in 1985 while Quilban was part of the school’s two-year reign in 1988 and 1989.