Jamike Jarin makes NCAA coaching return, this time with Lyceum

FILE– Jamike Jarin will now call the shots for Lyceum Pirates in the NCAA. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Lyceum Pirates have found their new coach in Jamike Jarin heading into the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament.

Lyceum on Friday announced that Jarin will be calling the shots for the Pirates.

“Through his career in basketball, he not only won championships, he did so the right way while developing not just players who excelled on the court, but also as individuals off of it,” athletic director Dr. Allan Layco said in a statement.

The former Phoenix mentor returns to the NCAA after a decade.

Before he assumed the position of the Fuel Masters’ head coach in the PBA, he steered San Beda to a title in 2016.

“It’s been 10 years since the last time I was in the NCAA. I’m excited to be back coaching in college and mentoring these young men again,” Jarin said.

“Coaching never stops, and learning never stops. I’ve been blessed to coach for this long. We’re coming in with a lot of new ideas and fresh approaches.”

Jarin also briefly coached National University in the UAAP for two years from 2017 to 2019 before transitioning to the PBA.

He is replacing Gilbert Malabanan, who held the position for over four years.

“As of now, to be honest, I’ve been focused on Phoenix for the past five years. I know they lost a few players, but I’m excited about what they have right now,” Jarin said.

Jarin had been sidelined recently after being replaced by coach Willy Wilson as the Fuel Masters’ top coach in August last year.