UE confirms booting out coach Zamar

MANILA, Philippines — David “Boycie” Zamar has been sacked as head coach of the University of the East due to his multiple coaching commitments with other teams.

UE confirmed in a statement Friday that Zamar had been abruptly dismissed and that the Warriors have started their search for a third mentor in as many seasons  “who will handle the team full time, one without commitments to other teams.”

Zamar also calls the shots for Cebuana Lhuillier in the PBA D-League and also works as an assistant coach for San Miguel Beer in the PBA.

“This development allows Mr. Zamar and the coaching staff freedom to attend to their respective commitments outside of the UE Red Warriors,” said the statement signed by Carmelita Mateo, UE’s representative to the UAAP Board and basketball team manager.

Mateo said the new coach will be announced next week.

Pro legend and UE’s famous alumnus Robert Jaworski, former Letran coach Louie Alas and ex-PBA mentor Derrick Pumaren head the early coaching candidates, team insiders said.

Zamar, who previously steered the Warriors for three seasons starting in 2001, returned to UE in 2012 after  Jerry Codiñera was unceremoniously booted out in the middle of the UAAP elimination round.

Last year, Zamar mentored for one full season with the Warriors failing to reach the semifinals for the fourth straight year after finishing sixth with a 7-7 record.

Team insiders said among the reasons for Zamar’s firing was his coaching ties with San Miguel Corporation, the chief rival of Asia Brewery, which is owned by tycoon and UE chair Lucio Tan.

UE will host Season 77 of the country’s premier varsity league, which kicks off on July 12.