by Waylon Galvez
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Al Panlilio has appointed Sandy Arespacochaga as the new coach of Batang Gilas.
With his appointment, Arespacochaga will be calling the shots for this year’s 19-under FIBA World Cup on June 29 to July 7 in Heraklion, Greece where the national team is in Group C with Argentina, Russia and the host nation.
The 16-under tournament, on the other hand, will be played in Beijing, China.
Arespacochaga is taking over the SBP program that is critical in continuing the progress of the youth team in the world stage after its success the past several years. He replaced Mike Oliver from Batang Gilas, which for a short period of time also had Josh Reyes as mentor.
Panlilio is confident Areapacochaga is the right man for the job.
“Sandy has proven his worth as a youth basketball coach. He has won championships in the high-school level and has been an active member of the highly successful Ateneo college basketball program,” said Panlilio.
