Cebu’s Albert Alocillo ‘honored’ to be interim head coach of Builder’s Warehouse-UST
Cebuano head coach Albert Alocillo. | Facebook photo
CEBU CITY, Philippines—- Veteran Cebuano coach Albert Alocillo says he is ready for the challenge as interim head coach of the Builder’s Warehouse- University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers in the upcoming 2022 PBA Developmental League (D-League).
The 55-year-old Alocillo, the pride of Alegria town, in southwestern Cebu, takes over from Jinino Manansala, who will be coaching the Adalem Construction-St. Clare during this off-season of the UAAP.
“I’m honored, I’m blessed, and I can feel the hands of God lifting me up. I never thought [that I’d be able to achieve this],” said Alocillo, who has been the assistant coach of the Growling Tigers for the past two years.
Alocillo is the father of former Consolacion Sarok Weavers head coach, Kareem Alocillo. The younger Alocillo helped tow the Sarok Weavers to the Pilipinas Super League (PSL) 21-under Aspirants Division Invitational Tournament title earlier this year in Zamboanga del Norte.
Alocillo is widely known in Cebu’s basketball scene. He’s the former head coach of the University of Southern Philippines-Foundation (USP-F) Panthers in the Cesafi and also had coaching stints with the Don Bosco Technology Center and the 2010 championship team of the Cebu Eastern College (CEC).
Inspired by family, Cebu
Despite his vast experience in coaching, Alocillo admitted that he feels pressured in supervising the team for the upcoming PBA D-League, which starts July 7, 2022.
The team’s first game is on July 9 against DLSU.
“There’s pressure because the coaches before me were good. At the same time, we’re joyful to face the challenge. Me and the boys are joyful to showcase what we have. We just want to improve,” said Alocillo.
Amidst the pressure mounting on his side, Alocillo finds inspiration in his family and the Cebuano basketball community.
“My inspiration is my family. Of course, my inspiration is the Cebuano basketball community, the parents of my players, the fans. This opportunity is not about me. It’s all about God’s opportunity given to us,” added Alocillo.
/bmjo
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