BY KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
MULTI-TITLED mentor Goldwyn Monteverde will call the shots for the National University Bulldogs next season, the school announced in its official social media account yesterday.
Monteverde, son of local film producer Lily Monteverde, will take over the coaching reins from Jamike Jarin after the Bulldogs struggled this season despite the presence of talented standouts like Dave and Shaun Ildefonso.
NU finished the season at the bottom standings with two wins and 12 losses, missing the Final Four for fourth straight year.
The Bulldogs last won the title under coach Eric Altamirano with Alfred Aroga, Troy Rosario and Paolo Javelona in the roster.
Monteverde already made a name for himself as coach of reigning juniors champion NU Bullpups and Chiang Kai Shek College.
Before taking the coaching job at NU, Monteverde also mentored the Adamson Baby Falcons in the UAAP.
He has already won championships in the Palarong Pambansa, Tiong Lian Basketball League and Metro Manila Basketball League and has previously coached the Batangas Tanduay Athletics in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.
Monteverde nearly handled the University of the East Warriors early this season after getting a call from the late Bong Tan Jr., a highly-reliable source said.
But for some reasons, the deal failed to push through.
The same source also revealed that another UAAP school had expressed interest in Monteverde’s services but NU beat them to the draw.
Monteverde once served as assistant coach at Hapee Toothpaste in the defunct Philippine Basketball League.
“Gold is a very good mentor and motivator. He sees talent when he sees one,” said Edster Sy.
Besides, Monteverde has plenty of friends willing to help him bring NU to greater heights.
