Jamike Jarin to take ‘step back’ from coaching after failed NU campaign

NU coach Jamike Jarin. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—After coaching nonstop for more than two decades, Jamike Jarin admitted it may be time for him to take a break.

After National University wrapped up its worst campaign in a decade on Wednesday, Jarin said he mulling taking a step back from coaching.

“I’ve been going for 21 years straight, maybe it’s time for me to step back a little,” said Jarin after the Bulldogs’ 79-77 loss to University of the East. “If you’re asking me what’s next for coach Jamike, I’m going trick or treating.”

“As of the moment, I’m not coaching anymore and I feel like the three years were enough to offer.”

Before moving to NU, Jarin was already an established name in the coaching community after leading Ateneo to four UAAP juniors’ titles and San Beda to the NCAA men’s title in 2016.

He then made the jump back to the UAAP in 2017 to replace Eric Altamirano and coach the Bulldogs,  but failed to replicate the success he had with the Blue Eaglets and the Red Lions.

The Bulldogs went 11-31 under Jarin’s tenure with their best record coming in Season 80 when they went 5-9. NU gradually fell down the wayside finishing 4-10 in Season 81 and 2-12 in Season 82.

“There’s nobody to be blamed of course but me,” said Jarin. “I’m the head coach of this program for the past three years and I’m not making excuses. It was just unfortunate that this year we couldn’t get it together.”

“I can give you 1,000 excuses, 1,000 reasons, but I’m not that type of guy.”

Jarin, however, expressed positivity for the Bulldogs in the coming years.

“This program will definitely come up with something. This NU program will get up.”