March 28, 2014,
Friday,
3 p.m.,
Rizal Memorial Sports Complex,
Vito Cruz,
Manila
April 1 is April Fool’s Day.
On this day, many pranks will most likely happen.
But, not for Segundo “Bong” de la Cruz III, Leo Austria and, probably not for whoever gets appointed as the new head of the UE Red Warriors.
For coach Bong, this is when interim coach Estong Ballesteros’ contract with the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers end, he officialy assumes his post.
For Leo Austria, this is the day that he will formally tackle his job with the Sports Development office of the Ateneo de Manila University.
As for the UE Red Warrior, this will mostly be the start of the month of changes for the roster, and how they will tackle season 77 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.
School officials are looking for a new coach.
This is because they just fired David “Boycie” Zamar.
(former coach David “Boycie” Zamar- photo sourced from Pinoyexchange.com).
Top university officials just made the decision to do so, according to team manager Carmelita Mateo in a statement which I got from a Facebook message coming from the UE external relations office.
They felt that Zamar was not committed enough to handle the Warriors this season.
“We feel that the coach must be the one who will handle the team full time,” said Mateo, who hinted that a new coach will be named in the coming week.
Zamar has recently moved on from being one of the assistant coaches of San Miguel to Barangay Ginebra in the PBA.
Two years ago, he took over from Jerry Codiñera as head coach on an interim basis, and it happened midway in the 75th season.
Officials said they have yet to name their choices for coach.
The Living Legend Roberto “Sonny” Jaworski, already considered to be a commissioner is amongst the top choices if sources are to be believed.
But the other possible choices reportedly include Jimmy Mariano, Nat Canson, Luis Palaganas and Derrick Pumaren.
Then, there’s Derrick’s brother Dindo Pumaren.
There’s former Letran coach Louie Alas and former UE coach Lawrence Chongson.
UE athletics chief Rodrigo Roque is tight-lipped about this, and said the top management will have a final say.
Under Zamar last season, the Red Warriors managed to finish sixth, and tied with the Ateneo Blue Eagles with the same 7-7 win-loss record.
Two seasons ago, they were tied in seventh with the Adamson Falcons, wielding a 3-11 slate.
Whatever happens to the UE Red Warriors on April 1, April Fool’s Day, is no joke to me.
Either they will have a new coach, or school officials will still deliberate on their choices.
