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| One year after leaving Phoenix, Jamike Jarin returns to the PBA as part of NLEX's coaching staff. PBA Images (file photo) |
PASIG—Jimmy Alapag is not the only guy coming on board to NLEX.
Former Phoenix Fuel Masters head coach Jamike Jarin sat at the Road Warriors' bench on Tuesday when they took on the Blackwater Bossing in a tune-up game at the UP Epsilon Chi Center in Quezon City.
When asked by Dugout Philippines about it, Alapag, NLEX's new head coach, confirmed that Jarin will also be part of the coaching staff.
"He's coming on board to help. Coach Jamike and I have a lot of history together during our time with Talk 'N Text, and he played a big role in my success as a player. And I just have the utmost respect for him. Not only is he a great coach, but he's even a better person," Alapag said when he was formally introduced to the media as the new Road Warriors gaffer at Dave & Buster's Opus Mall branch.
However, Alapag did not specify what role Jarin, now the head coach of the Lyceum Pirates in the NCAA, will have with the Road Warriors, but he said, "To have him there with the transition, it will help the team."
Alapag also clarified that the coaching staff that he inherited from former head coach Jong Uichico will stay for now.
"I'm gonna lean on their experience with the team these past few seasons, and I'm looking forward to working with them as we get ready for the conference," Alapag further said.
Assistant coaches Borgie Hermida and Melo Lim took charge of NLEX during its tune-up game against Blackwater while Alapag and Jarin observed the match.
Despite the last-gasp attempt from the Bossing, the Road Warriors hung on for a 117-116 win.
