MANILA, Philippines – De La Salle University has tapped Gee Abanilla as the new head coach for its men’s basketball team.
Abanilla’s appointment was made official Tuesday during a gathering of De La Salle team officials and alumni at the Manila Polo Club.
“We are happy to have a former Green Archer handle the team,“ said Br. Bernie Oca, DLSU Vice Chancellor for Lasallian Mission and External Relations.
“This marks the beginning of the preparations of the Men’s Basketball team for Season 75 of the UAAP. The University will be behind the new coach so that he and the team will be able to achieve the best next season,” added Br. Oca.
Abanilla took over the reins from Dindo Pumaren after the Green Archers failed to make it to the UAAP Final Four despite a talented core.
“I’m very happy and honored to be chosen as the new head coach of the De La Salle Green Archers,” said Abanilla, who also serves as an assistant coach for the Petron Blaze in the PBA.
“I would like to bring a different brand of system. I want to put the players in a position where
they can succeed,” added the former La Salle slotman, who won back-to-back UAAP titles in 1989 and 1990.
He also had a coaching stint with the College of St. Benilde Blazers in the NCAA.
With a slew of reliable players led by Norbert Torres and Almond Vosotros in the fold, Abanilla is upbeat over La Salle’s chances next season.
“I am very optimistic we can improve. With the support of the community, we can improve on the standing last year,” Abanilla said.