NEW Lyceum coach Gilbert Malabanan is unfazed by the tough job ahead and is raring to hit the ground running for the Pirates.
“Most of our players are new pero may nadala kami na five veterans. Karamihan doon na-handle ko na for the past four years,” Malabanan said. “Wala naman ako babaguhin sa system namin before and I will just make little twists. I guarantee that we will be an exciting team.”
A former PBA cager who had stints with San Miguel and Ginebra, Malabanan admitted he was surprised when Lyceum tapped him to call the shots for the squad after Jeff Perlas stepped down to take care of his mother.
“Medyo na-shock ako at first sa decision ng management but I’m ready to face the challenge. Matagal na rin naman tayo dito sa basketball,” Malabanan, who also served as deputy to former Pirates tacticians Topex Robinson and Perlas, said.
“I’ll do my best with my assistant coaches to work it out para sa lahat ng dapat pagtrabahuhan natin sa team.”
The NCAA is eyeing to launch its 97th season early next year.
The country’s oldest collegiate league pushed through this season with virtual and skills events, with the basketball and volleyball tournaments getting canceled.
Taekwondo and chess were both held online, while alumni from all 10 member-schools participated in All-Star Skills competitions for both basketball and volleyball.
