Pride of Cebu: Labagala is new Stags coach

CEBU, Philippines — Cebuano ex-PBA player Rob Labagala embraces the tough challenge of rebuilding the San Sebastian College-Recoletos (SSC-R) college basketball team after he was tapped as the new head coach of the Golden Stags in the NCAA.

Philstar.com reported on Friday, March 14 that the 40-year-old Labagala, who hails from Barangay Tanke, Talisay City, signed a three-year deal with school’s officials headed led by Rev. Fr. Rafael Pecson, OAR last Thursday, March 13.

Labagala, a former University of the East cager who had stints with Barako Bull, Talk ‘N Text and Barangay Ginebra in the PBA, previously served as chief strategist of the UE high school squad and at the same time assistant coach of the Red Warriors in the UAAP.

Before making waves in Manila, Labagala first honed his skills as a reserve player of the Cebu Insitute of Technology-University (CIT-U) Wildkittens in the Cebu Amateur Athletic Association (CAAA), which is now the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI), for two years from 1996 to 1997.

He then tried his luck with the University of the Visayas (UV) Baby Lancers where he won back-to-back championship titles in the 1998 and 1999 CAAA seasons.

Aside from his coaching duties with the Golden Stags, Labagala has other obligations as assistant coach of Basilan Viva Portmasters in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL).