Larry Albano, the man behind the first “three-peat” pulled off by Letran in the NCAA in the early 1980s, is set to return to the Knights’ bench, replacing Louie Alas.
Letran is expected to announce soon the hiring of Albano, who will sign a one-year contract, reliable sources said.
Based in the United States, Albano went through a unique process that saw him getting interviewed via Skype. He had been away from the local basketball scene until his name was floated as a possible replacement for Alas late last year.
Before winning the first of three straight seniors titles in 1982, Albano also served as coach of the Letran juniors’ team which he also steered to the crown in 1979 when the Knights pulled off a rare basketball double.
Albano’s title squad was led by Samboy Lim, who later made a name for himself in the PBA.
Sources said the deal to hire Albano was sealed when former Letran Knight Wilmon Yu—a strong candidate for the head coaching position—agreed to be the lead assistant to Albano.
Ronjay Enrile, who was also considered as one of the candidates for the coaching job, will also serve as an assistant coach.