Juno Sauler. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
La Salle aims to “cast a wide net” in its search for the next men’s basketball coach following the resignation of Juno Sauler.
Team management and school officials hope to find a new mentor soon—possibly “before the year ends”—in a search that may include more names outside early candidates like current deputy Siot Tanquingcen, former champion La Salle coach Franz Pumaren and former champion Letran tactician Louie Alas.
La Salle said the 42-year-old Sauler formally tendered his resignation Tuesday, days after talks circulated that he already bid farewell to his players Mondaynight and to team patron Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco last weekend.
Sauler decided to quit after the Green Archers’ shock exit in the UAAP, where they failed to advance to the Final Four for just the fourth time in 22 seasons.
Calls for his ouster came mid-season despite Sauler’s stellar debut in 2013 when he steered the Archers to the UAAP championship.
In a statement, the school extended its appreciation to Sauler “for his years of dedicated service to the team.”
Sauler, who also had title runs in the 2013 Philippine Collegiate Champions League and the 2014 Filoil tournament, finished with a notable 31-19 win-loss record in the UAAP.