Q and A with Coach Mike Magpayo
Graduating with an Economics degree at the University of California – Santa Barbara, Mike Magpayo started a successful real estate company and in between managing his company, coached high school basketball. After ten years as CEO, he left his business and pursued his true calling.
His coaching career started at Columbia U as an assistant for 4 years then at Campbell U for 3 years, then as Director of Basketball Operations for the University of San Francisco for one year where he helped the team to a 22-7 record. USF has the winningest basketball program in the West Coast Conference of the NCAA Division 1. USF alumni boasts of two Celtic legends in KC Jones and Bill Russell.
Named as head coach of UC – Riverside on July 1, Magpayo becomes the first Filipino coach in the US NCAA Division 1 history.
•Aside from being the first Filipino coach in the US NCAA D-1, what other things you want our kababayans to associate with your name?
MM: As proud as I am to be a Filipino coach, they are not mutually exclusive so to speak. I’m a proud Filipino and proud of my heritage and the Magpayo name. It means “advisor” in Tagalog from what I understand which is ironic given my profession. And same with coaching. I’m proud to be a Division 1 Head Coach. They are hard to get here in the US as there are only 357 of them.
•Coaches more often than not, are looked up to by players and fans alike as role models. How can you be effective as one?
MM: That’s the goal, to lead, to be an exemplary role model. You know, every year in my coaching journey, I learn from my players just as much as they learn from me. Hopefully all the hours and days and years I’ve spent in a leadership role have prepared me for my biggest, most exciting challenge to date.
•I understand you have a ‘democratic’ philosophy in coaching, but in all democracies, things sometimes go radical. How do you deal with players having discipline issues and what is your credo on discipline?
MM: We have built a program that works. The reason we have had success here at an accelerated pace in our first two years at UC Riverside is because we run a high performing program of accountability. We track a lot of aspects of our players’ development, shooting, etc. and you have to buy in to succeed. If you are bought in to the process we employ here at UCR, you will develop as a basketball player and as a man.
As far as discipline, we manage each situation as necessary but our culture is strong and we intend to protect that culture at all cost.
•Your system is more on free-flowing offense but you require your players to be more conscious on defense. With reference to this, do you relate your system to the saying, “the best defense is the best offense?”
MM: We studied and focused on creating a good defensive team this past season and were succesfull in doing so. You are what you emphasize. Now going into this year, we will try to maintain the elite defensive system while using the many stops we get into a more free flowing offense that capitalizes on easier opponents. Easier said than done but that is our challenge and emphasis this year.
•We have the talent but not necessarily the height and with the availablity of Jordan Clarkson and a naturalized player for the National Team, it has boosted our chances in international competitions. What else could be needed for the Gilas to improve?
MM: Size definitely helps so we have to develop the big ones we do have. Make sure they are playing at their respective colleges and professional teams and developing skill-wise and strength-wise. Strength and conditioning programs mixed with high level nutrition plans have become a way to gain an edge.
•If given the chance to coach in the Philippines, which do you prefer, the collegiate level, the pro league or the National Team?
MM: If given a chance, I would prefer to coach on the National Team and help out in any way possible.
In 2012, Magpayo founded the Asian Coaches Association which only had 15 attendees at the start but of late have more than 200 in attendance from the men’s and women’s side. One of their meetings was graced by Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra.
•You idolize Erik Spoelstra. The Miami Heat has at least 70 offensive and defensive sets. Have you applied some of them to UC-R?
MM: I have always studied my idols both in basketball and their leadership traits. Coach Spo worked his way up from the bottom and was known as a guy who got any job done. As head coach, Coach Spo oozes poise, a firmness with his players without being overzealous for recognition.
As to the basketball side, he has successfully maneuvered through a career where he had 3 superstars in Wade, LeBron and Bosh, 3 athletes that he used to trap defensively and play an up-tempo game. And now, he has found a way to make Duncan Robinson, a 6-8 shooter, one of the deadliest weapons in the game. So yes, I’m always looking to steal any of his sets, poise, and would welcome his advice. He did send me a congratulatory text with a little piece of advice I will cherish on this new journey.
Coach Mike’s parents, Lito and Ninet, are natives of Pampanga, and being the nation’s Culinary Capital, mom Ninet, like all the Kapampangan ladies, is a natural at the kitchen. I would love to taste Ninet’s version of the sisig (and let Lipitor join the group), which was a Kapampangan invention by Lucia Cunanan in the 70s.
•You had invited your team to your house and savor your mom’s cooking and I would assume Filipino cuisine will always be prepared. I had been around athletes and they have legendary appetites. I’m just wondering if your players were receptive to our food. Any particular dish they like?
MM: At every University I had coached, my Mom has always done one or two big meals for my team. They love her cooking. Everyone does! My Mom is the best cook there is. They love her adobo, love her pancit, they really love her lumpia and she makes all kinds of spicy chicken, fried rice. Players eat it all!
•You are an accomplished coach. Apart from your stellar achievements, what has been your biggest disappointment so far?
MM: I have had a lot of experiences as an Assistant Coach. Some highlights in building winning programs but also some missed opportunities. I think one big disappointment was losing the championship game of the College Basketball Invitational Tournament (CBI) while I was at the USF in 2018. A great 22-win year and could have walked away with a ring. Lost the final game.
Coach Mike recently married his long-time girlfriend Caroline, whose parents, Noel Motus and Angelita Gonzales, are from Kalibo, Aklan. Caroline is on the family way.
•You and your wife Caroline are expecting a baby boy. Will you be encouraging your son to have his own “hoop dreams”?
MM: HaHaHa! Of course I would. Unfortunately, I’m only 6ft and Caroline is only 5ft, so we hope somehow he grows taller than me. I want all little hoopers but just wish for great health and a loving baby.
This corner wishes Coach Mike success and greater things to come, and for Caroline to have a healthy future hooper or a brilliant bench tactician.
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