Jarin wants more bark, bite from sluggish NU Bulldogs

MANILA, Philippines – After his title run with San Beda in the NCAA, coach Jamike Jarin brings his act to National U in the UAAP and aims to bring back the bite in the Bulldogs team that missed the playoffs the past season.

“My goal is to make the team more competitive,” said Jarin, who took the place of Eric Altamirano, the long-time coach who quit at the end of Season 79 following the Bulldogs’ exit from the Final Four.

“Of course, we want to make it to the Final Four, make the finals and win a championship. But for now, we have nine months to prepare and see what happens,” he added.

Jarin is bringing in Danny Ildefonso, a former King Bulldog himself, and John Ferriols as members of his coaching staff at NU.

He had already met with the NU holdovers thrice last month and said he has tasked Matt Salem and JJ Alejandro to lead the pack even as his coaching staff works to mold Senegalese Isa Gaye into an impact player like former finals MVP Alfred Aroga.

“As it is, I am inheriting a team with a winning attitude, thanks to coach Eric (Altamirano),” said Jarin.

“The team already has a strong backcourt game and I will not change that. I will just try to extend our defense and make the team play faster,” he added.

Jarin looks to follow in the footsteps of his former NCAA rival, Aldin Ayo, who after leading Letran to the NCAA diadem packed his bags for La Salle and steered them to the UAAP plum the very next season.

Jarin said he left the Red Lions’ den on good terms and properly said his goodbye to San Beda’s patron, PLDT boss Manny V. Pangilinan, before taking the NU job.