Chico Lanete named Lyceum Junior Pirates coach

MANILA, Philippines -- Chico Lanete is coming home. 

The former Lyceum Pirate is heading back to his alma mater, this time as a head coach for the university’s high school team starting NCAA Season 102. 

"Well, of course, we are very happy and proud to have appointed a head coach who is an alumnus of LPU," said LPU athletic director Dr. Allan Layco.

"He is already familiar with the Lycean culture and the Laurel family’s philosophy in running the team."

The former PBA player suited up for LPU from 2000 to 2003 during the university's NCRAA days.

He helped the Pirates to three straight finals appearances in the NCRAA. He won Rookie of the Year honors in his freshman season before earning a spot in the Mythical Five in his final year.

"Siyempre, super grateful and honored ako na makabalik sa LPU. Malaki ang naging role ng LPU sa narating ko as a basketball player," said Lanete.

"So coming back now as a head coach means a lot to me. Ngayon, excited ako to give back and help develop the next generation of players."

Lanete replaces Al Vergara, who spent two seasons as head coach of Lyceum-Cavite.

In NCAA Season 100, the Junior Pirates finished with a 1-8 record.

Last season, LPU-Cavite went 4-9 in the group phase but was knocked out by San Sebastian College-Recoletos in the play-in, 80-85.

This is not the first time Lanete has coached a team, as he served as the head trainer of Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3's FIBA 3x3 World Tour teams in 2022 and 2023. 

"For the team, siyempre we want to build a strong, disciplined, and competitive program that can consistently contend. Pero more than that, ang goal ko for the players is to help them grow hindi lang sa basketball, but also in character, work ethic, and mindset," he said.

"So ipinagpe-pray ko ‘yan, na ma-guide ko rin sila not just for games, but sa life din beyond basketball. Kasi alam na natin ‘yan e, galing na tayo dyan. Hindi naman habambuhay ang basketball."