Aldeguer calls shots for Altas

Multi-titled high school mentor Boris Aldeguer made a career move after he accepted the coaching job at Perpetual Help, taking over from former coach Arturo “Bai” Cristobal.

“Yes I decided to accept the job,” the 33-year-old Aldeguer yesterday told The STAR.

Aldeguer will bring impressive credentials in the high school loop with two UAAP juniors titles and two Final Four appearances as coach of La Salle-Zobel for four seasons to a Perpetual Help team reeling from an eighth and last place finish in the recently concluded 84th NCAA season.

“It’s a three-year program. Plans for the team is to improve our standing next season and hopefully be a contender in next three years,” said Aldeguer. “We’re injecting a new system but will take time since we are starting from zero.

“It’s an enormous challenge as a coach and hopefully I can make the most out of it,” he added.

Cristobal confirmed he’s out of the team he steered to the 2004 National Inter-Collegiate crown, a runner-up finish the same year and one Final Four appearance since taking over as the Altas’ mentor eight years back.

Cristobal was also the coach when San Sebastian capped a historic NCAA five-peat feat 11 years ago.

Aldeguer, who has given up his assistant coaching job with San Miguel to concentrate on Perpetual Help, said he plans to turn a run-and-gun team to a squad that thrives mainly on defense.

“I want a defensive team that likes to run but in a controlled fashion. We try to find the easiest possible way to score,” Aldeguer said.

“We’re not tall like other teams so we will have to take advantage with speed and smartness,” he added.