ALTHOUGH he’s likely to take over from Topex Robinson, Lyceum Pirates assistant coach Jeff Perlas does not mind whether he gets the coaching job or not.
“It’s really hard to assume. I will leave it to management; I’m not concerned about the title or job description right now, my main concern is for the players and the team’s preparation for next season,” Perlas told Malaya-Business Insight.
“But I’m ready whatever the management’s decision regarding this matter,” he added.
Lyceum is expected to name a new coach after Robinson was tapped recently to replace Louie Alas in an interim capacity as coach of Phoenix in the PBA.
NCAA rules prohibit any coach in the league to call the shots in any pro league at the same time. Robinson, however, can remain with the Pirates as consultant.
Having served as Robinson’s lead deputy the last five years, Perlas said the Intramuros-based five won’t have to go through a lot of adjustments if he will be chosen to call the shots.
“It will be a privilege to be strongly considered to lead the team; it only shows that they trust what I can bring to LPU. Being a deputy assistant coach for coach Topex (Robinson) for five years is a big factor also,” offered Perlas.
“Familiarity of the system both offensively and defensively is a plus. I’m honored, excited and ready for this opportunity.”
Perlas, 43, was a member of National University’s staff that won the UAAP title in 2014 under coach Eric Altamirano.
After back-to-back finals stints in 2017 and 2018, the Pirates finished with a 13-5 card, good for second, after the elimination round in the last NCAA cage wars but lost to eventual champion Letran in their stepladder semifinal duel.
