UAAP: Sean Chambers brings Alaska mentality to FEU Tamaraws

New FEU Tamaraws men’s basketball team coach Sean Chambers watching a UAAP women’s volleyball game. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Sean Chambers is looking to bring Alaska’s integrity and his version of triangle offense as he takes over as Far Eastern University coach ahead of the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament in September.

Chambers on Thursday supported the FEU women’s volleyball team, which beat Ateneo, 19-25, 25-20, 25-20, 25-22, in the women’s volleyball competition,.

The PBA great shared his progress as the new Tamaraws coach after the school brought him to the program in its pursuit to return to the Final Four after missing the past three seasons.

His coaching style will be inspired by his former PBA team, Alaska, which he led to a historic 1996 PBA Grand Slam.

READ: UAAP: New coach Sean Chambers aims to ‘reignite winning culture’ at FEU

“First and foremost, really doing everything with integrity. We’re gonna do everything while putting the university first and foremost as our goal,” Chambers told reporters. “Next is that we’re gonna be accountable for one another. We want everybody to be accountable not only to their teammates but also to the university. We’re gonna work hard and we’re gonna prepare like crazy.”

“As we say with Alaska, the will to win is important but the will to prepare is vital. That’s what we’re gonna bring to the table — just details, a matter of details,” he added.

The six-time PBA champion, who succeeded the team from now program head Denok Miranda, is bringing his version of the triangle offense, inspired by Cone, to the winningest UAAP team, which has 20 titles and last ruled the league in 2015.

READ: Legendary import Sean Chambers forever grateful to Alaska Aces

“Everybody wants to know: ‘Are we gonna run the triangle?’ We’ll run the triangle but it’s a little bit with Sean Chambers flair. It won’t look like Coach Tim Cone’s but it’ll be similar in some aspects,” he said.

Chambers shared that his first coaching gig in the Philippines got a timely boost after his former teammates Johnny Abarrientos and Jojo Lastimosa visited him and the Tamaraws in practice.

“I’m so lucky because Johnny A, when I first arrived, he was one of the first to come to my apartment. He brought me pomelo, so he brought me food. Johnny’s been very supportive,” said the former PBA import.

“He knows the triangle. He knows the way I like to implement things. He’s been my voice when I sometimes can’t say the words in Tagalog, Johnny’s been able to explain it for me but I told the guys: ‘Don’t worry, I’m gonna learn Tagalog as much as I can so I can go back and forth with them.’”

Chambers added that Abarrientos is “not only one of the greatest FEU players but one of the greatest players in history to play in the Philippines,” inspiring his players and making his transition after the visit of his former teammates including Lastimosa.

“Johnny’s been Johnny A. He’s been just great and I think that kind of helps with the transition having him there,” Chambers said.

“Jojo Lastimosa came to practice the other day. It’s been a great transition for me. I know it’s a lot different for me than it will be for the other American coaches. The coaching staff has been amazing but I have such an amazing infrastructure here, the foundation, it has been an easy transition.”

Chambers is just getting started in his new job in Manila as FEU coach but he is already grateful to return and share his knowledge in his second home.

“So far, it’s been absolutely wonderful. My whole career in the Philippines has been an amazing blessing on so many levels. Winning championships with Alaska, having amazing teammates, coaching staff, owner in Mr. [Wilfred] Uytengsu. It’s just always been a blessing to be in this amazing country which I consider my second home,” he said.