Jerry Codiñera sees better result for AU Chiefs

MANILA, Philippines — Given another crack at coaching in the collegiate level, former PBA great Jerry Codiñera hopes for a better outcome this time as mentor of the Arellano Chiefs in the 90th NCAA Season that opens Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Codiñera had a forgettable stint in his coaching debut with the University of the East in the UAAP 2012 Season when the Warriors won just three of their 14 games.

But the prospects look brighter at Arellano as Codiñera inherits an almost intact lineup from last season, where the Chiefs finished sixth with an 8-10 record.

Returning for the Chiefs are Keith Agovida, Nard Pinto, Nichole Bangga, Julius Cadavis, Levi Hernandez, Prince Caperal, Ralph Salcedo and Filipino-Canadian sharpshooter Zach Nichols.

And while they lost James Forrester who has turned professional, Arellano will have Isaiah Ciriacruz back from a three-year hiatus.

“Hopefully, I could help the school make the Final Four this time,” said Codiñera, who will be the third coach of Arellano, after Leo Isaac and Koy Banal, since it entered the league five years ago.

“Hard work and the belief that you can do it will be vital in our campaign this year.”

Having earned a reputation as a top-notch defender in his playing days, Codiñera believes his team is capable of absorbing his defense-first approach.

“I also want to preach to my players to put premium on defense, which made me who I am today,” he said.