NCAA: Caloy Garcia has the edge to coach Letran

A stint in the pros will surely be an advantage if ever Colegio de San Juan de Letran decides to tap the services of Carlos ‘Caloy’ Garcia as the Letran Knights' next head coach for the upcoming 89th season of the National Collegiate Athletic Association's seniors division basketball tournament.

Garcia, formerly the head coach of Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the PBA before Yeng Guiao, told Inboundpass that he is very willing to help the Knights regain their winning tradition in the country’s oldest collegiate basketball league.

“That’s my school before, so it will be a great pleasure to coach your school,” said Garcia, who presently serves as assistant coach to Guiao in Rain or Shine. “Right now, I’m just waiting for their final decision whether they hire me or not.”

Garcia said there are other aspirants for the job, such as former Letran coach Larry Albano, former University of Santo Tomas coach Nel Parado, and current Knights deputies Tino Pinat, Monch Gavieres, and Ronjay Enrile.

A reliable source from the Knights’ den, who requested anonymity, said Garcia has the edge to be considered by the selection committee since he has ample coaching experience from the collegiate level, up to the pros.

Garcia served as College of Saint Benilde’s head coach from 2005 to 2007, with 2005 NCAA MVP Jay Sagad as his prized asset. The Blazers however, only went 9-31 in that span with him at the helm.

“So far, as of this moment, I’m pretty sure Garcia could be named as the next Letran head coach because of his credentials,” said the source. “Some candidates are too old and [others] not yet ripe to be a head coach. I’m sure he’ll get that job vacated by former coach Louie Alas.”

Garcia, for his part, said “I’m just waiting for their call. It is up to them.”

Inboundpass tried to call Letran athletic director Father Vic Calvo OP for comments, but he was not available. - AMD, GMA News