Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio has named Sandy Arespacochaga as the new head coach of the Batang Gilas crew that will see action in the Fiba World Cup under-19 tournament this June as well as the Fiba Asia Championships under-16 slated this year.
Arespacochaga coached the Ateneo Blue Eaglets that won the UAAP juniors championship in 1999 and 2000 and has been part of the Gilas program for years as assistant coach and scout.
Arespacochaga has developed a reputation as one of the best motivators and teachers among young players. A soft-spoken and mild-mannered person, his style of coaching is expected to provide great impact on the Batang Gilas players as the under-19 team, which includes Kai Sotto, is set to compete in the World Cup 2019 in Heraklion, Greece.
“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,” Panlilio said.