By Kristel Satumbaga
Chico Manabat was elevated as head coach of Centro Escolar University (CEU) while the school’s former mentor Jeff Napa is likely to be named chief tactician of National University soon.
Both Manabat and Napa confirmed this in statements on Thursday as the Scorpions are out to strengthen their future especially in the PBA D-League and the Universities and Colleges Basketball League (UCBL).
Manabat said Napa recommended him to the CEU bosses to take over his post.
Napa is currently serving as the Bulldogs’ consultant but will be tapped as head coach once the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
“Natuwa naman ako na tinanggap ako ng mga boss sa CEU. Siyempre bata pa ako sa situation na ganito, pero matanda na ko sa mga pinagdaanan namin ni coach Jeff,” said the 41-year-old Manabat, who has been assistant to Napa at NU, Letran and CEU.
Manabat said his first order of things is to further his players’ experiences.
“Yung naabutan namin na team, bata talaga. Ang sabi ng bosses, i-develop ko muna yung mga players. Yun muna ang immediate goal namin ngayon: focus sa development and sa aral,” he said.
Napa, for his part, is optimistic of the Scorpions’ future under Manabat’s hands.
“Sobrang laki ng tiwala ko kay Coach Chico. Confident ako na kaya niyang gampanan yung binigay sa kanya na opportunity na ito,” Napa said.
