UE taps ex-Warrior Codiñera to revive lost glory

Off-season changes continue to take place in the collegiate basketball scene, with University of the East becoming the latest team to name its new coach. Former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) superstar Jerry Codiñera, a member of the last UE five that won back-to-back titles — in the 1984 and 1985 UAAP seasons — was appointed the team's new mentor, replacing Lawrence Chongson. Chongson's two-year contract as the Red Warriors coach expired on December 31 and UE officials decided not to renew it.

Codiñera, named as one of the 25 Greatest Players in the PBA, was introduced to the team in their practice on Tuesday at the Tanduay Gym in Manila, his first official day as UE coach. He will have his baptism of fire in the upcoming pre-season collegiate tournaments, the Fr. Martin Cup and the FilOil Flying V. Codiñera's appointment came days after National University acquired Eric Altamirano, a teammate of Codiñera in the Philippine men's basketball team for the 1986 Asian Games in Seoul, Korea. UE management will now pin its hopes on Codiñera, who faces the daunting task of ending nearly three decades of frustration for one of the league's top collegiate basketball programs. "A former Warrior coaching the team was what we wanted all along. Coach Jerry was introduced to the team, and they are now at a getting-to-know-you stage. He also met with UE president Ester Albano-Garcia," said assistant physical education director Rodrigo Roque, who is also the officer in charge of the athletic department. Out to bring winning touch Codiñera is expected to turn around UE's fortunes and revive the Red Warriors' lost glory in the collegiate basketball stage. The 44-year-old Codiñera, who was known as the Defense Minister for his brilliance in manning the shaded area in the PBA, played 17 seasons in the pro league. He played most of his career with the Purefoods franchise, teaming up with Alvin Patrimonio to form one of the most dominant frontlines in the '90s. Their partnership produced five PBA championships for Purefoods. Codiñera was then traded to the Mobiline Phone Pals in 1999, and ended his pro career with the FedEx Express in 2005. He had a brief coaching stint in the Philippine Basketball League (PBL) with the Teletech Titans for one season before becoming an assistant coach for University of the Philippines the past two years. Before Codiñera was named as the UE coach, rumors also circulated that Allan Caidic, another legendary Warrior and current Barangay Ginebra assistant coach, was also one of the candidates being considered to replace Chongson. Caidic is being eyed as the team's consultant or one of Codiñera's assistant coaches. Chongson's rookie year Chongson, the long-haired former UE mentor, steered the Warriors to a Final Four appearance in his rookie year, with the Recto-based squad placing third after the elimination round. UE faced No. 2 seed Far Eastern University in the semis with the Tamaraws enjoying a twice-to-beat edge. The Warriors overcame the Tams' advantage to arrange a Finals date against tournament top seed and defending champion Ateneo where they pushed the Blue Eagles to three games in the best-of-three title series in the 2009 season. The following year, the Warriors missed the semis for the first time since 2001, finishing sixth with a 6-8 slate, which may have been the reason why UE parted ways with him. Chongson's apparent lack of concrete plays and a steady system was also said to be one of the factors why UE did not renew his contract. Other coaching changes National University and UP also had coaching changes recently in preparation for the upcoming UAAP season. As expected, Altamirano was elevated from team consultant to the Bulldogs' head coach, replacing Eric Gonzales. Altamirano recently let go of his duties as the national youth team mentor to concentrate on NU. Even when Gonzales was at the helm last year, it was expected that Altamirano would eventually take over NU’s coaching job. UP surprisingly went to Ricky Dandan in an attempt to turn things around. The Maroons tapped the Powerade assistant coach just recently, and he has already opened his camp for tryouts. FEU, after its disappointing finish last season, has yet to name its head coach after Glenn Capacio resigned. Richie Ticzon, Capacio’s top deputy, is handling the squad in an interim basis. Johnny Abarrientos, also a current Barangay Ginebra assistant coach, and Vic Pablo were recently tapped as assistant coaches. – JVP, RCJ, KY, GMANews.TV