Sandy Arespacochaga appointed as Batang Gilas head coach

MANILA, Philippines—Longtime deputy Sandy Arespacochaga is set to take full charge of his own team after Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas appointed him as the new head coach of Batang Gilas.

Arespacochaga will be at the helm of the Philippines’ junior national team that will see action in the Fiba Under-19 Basketball World Cup and the Fiba Asia Under-16 Championship.

“Sandy has proven his worth as a youth basketball coach. He has won championships in the high-school level and has been an active member of the highly successful Ateneo college basketball program,” said SBP president Al Panlilio.

Arespacochaga served as an assistant in Ateneo’s senior program for nearly two decades and won eight UAAP titles while serving as deputy to Joel Banal in 2002, Norman Black from 2008 to 2012, and Tab Baldwin in 2017 and 2018.

Before that, he was the head coach of Blue Eaglets who won the title from 1999 to 2000.

Arespacochaga is set to bring that immense championship experience to the Batang Gilas under-19 team that includes Kai Sotto.

His first order of business is lead Batang Gilas in the Under-19 World Cup in Greece from June 29 to July 7 where the Philippines is grouped with the host nation, Argentina, and Russia.

“Sandy’s demeanor is perfect for our young players. He is a natural teacher whose method of teaching is what our young players will embrace and appreciate. He uses his strong communication skills and low key personality to get the best out of his personnel,” said Panlilio.

Arespacochaga is also an assistant coach in the PBA currently under Bong Ravena in TNT but has served before under Black in Meralco and Gilas head coach Yeng Guiao in NLEX.

“It is important that we teach our young players to not only play good basketball but more importantly, conduct themselves positively inside and outside the basketball court. With his focus on a strong and holistic values enrichment program, we in the SBP are confident that the success of the Batang Gilas program will be sustained and will eventually benefit even our Gilas Men’s program,” said Panlilio.