PBA legend Bal David during an exhibition game. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines — Former University of Santo Tomas star Bal David is set to take the coaching reins of the school’s men’s basketball program, according to multiple reports.
The Varsitarian, UST’s official publication, reported on Friday that David is set to replace Jinino Manansala as head coach of the Growling Tigers for UAAP Season 85.
The ex-Ginebra star, who won two PBA titles, was part of UST’s back-to-back title runs in 1993 and 94 UAAP seasons under the late Tigers coach Aric del Rosario.
David left a dramatic mark for UST, scoring the game-winning free throws of the 1994 Finals Game 3 to edge La Salle.
Inquirer Sports sought Manansala for comments but he has yet to respond as of posting time.
The four-time PBA all-star is set to inherit a UST side that only won three of its 14 games in Season 84, two years after reaching the finals under Aldin Ayo.
UST is currently playing in the 2022 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup losing its first four games under assistant coach Albert Alocillo, who took the interim role as Manansala calls the shots for St. Clare.
The Tigers will also see action in the Fil-Oil Premier Cup, debuting against Jose Rizal University on Monday at San Juan Arena.