Eyes on debuting Arellano, San Sebastian coaches

MANILA, Philippines — Newbie coaches Chico Manabat of Arellano University and John Kallos of San Sebastian try to prove their worth as they debut today against powerhouse teams San Beda and Mapua, respectively, in NCAA Season 99 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

Manabat, who succeeded Cholo Martin, will handle a team that will have nine rookies when they clash with the Lions at 2 p.m. while Kallos, who took over from Egay Macaraya, tackles the fancied Cardinals at 4 p.m.

“We’re a young team pero laban kami,” said Manabat, who has finally gotten a big break after being an assistant to Jeff Napa for a long time.

Manabat will break in Kyle Anama, Yuan Camay, John Lorenz Capulong, Dominic Dayrit, Joshua Dela Cruz, Ernest Geronimo, Bryan Rosalin, Felix Villarente, and Ralph Yanes after losing Axel Doromal, Shane Menina, Cade Flores and Travis Mantua from a season back.