If asked to coach the La Salle Green Archers men’s basketball team, women’s coach Cholo Villanueva would most likely accept it.
Villanueva is upbeat of this opportunity, with the school reportedly opting not to renew the contract of Derick Pumaren at the end of the year.
“Nothing really concrete, but it would be an honor for me serving my alma mater and give back to the La Sallian Community,” said Villanueva, who shared his thoughts to the Manila Standard.
Villanueva is being considered to be part of the men’s program and changes are being planned after the Green Archers did not make it the Final Four of the 85th season of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines cagefest.
The 40-year-old Villanueva was part of the Green Archers’ squad, which won a UAAP championship. He claimed co-Finals’ MVP back in 2007, under coach Franz Pumaren.
He has been handling the Lady Archers since 2016.
“Winning championships as a player before, it would be an honor for me to give one to the school that honed me to who I am today,” added Villanueva.
As a coach, Villanueva was an assistant to Pumaren at La Salle and to Vergel Meneses at Jose Rizal University in the past.
The Green Archers are seeking to get back on their feet in Season 86, where they will be without Schonny Winston, Michael Phillips, and Kevin Quiambao.
The Green Archers finished Season 85 with a 7-7 win-loss record, losing to the Adamson Soaring Falcons in the playoff for the last semifinal berth.