Ex-Stag Macaraya takes over at San Sebastian

San Sebastian has officially named Egay Macaraya as its new head coach. Macaraya was part of the Stags team that won the NCAA title in 1985. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

San Sebastian has again turned to one of its former players who has gone on to carve a niche in collegiate coaching in a bid to turn its fortunes around in the next NCAA basketball season.

Former San Sebastian star Egay Macaraya was appointed coach of the Golden Stags Monday, replacing Rodney Santos, who called the shots for the team last season.

Macaraya brings with him an impressive resume that includes a PBA D-League title with Cafe France as well as five Naascu crowns with Centro Escolar University.

The appointment of Macara-ya was confirmed by lawyer Reynold Munsayac, the San Sebastian representative to the NCAA Management Committee, who said that the coach has started conducting team practices.

The Stags last won an NCAA championship in 2009 with a team led by Calvin Abueva and Ian Sangalang. They finished seventh last season with a 6-12 record.

The 50-year-old Macaraya, who won an NCAA title with the Stags in 1985 after a 12-year drought, will have former Stag Eugene Quilban as one of his deputies.

Macaraya said he is targeting a Final Four appearance next season.

“There is no pressure for us because it’s a transition period,” he said. “But we’ll try our very best to make it to the Final Four.”