Bert Flores Returns as FEU Head Coach

Following Season 67, the FEU Tamaraws saw head coach Koy Banal resign after failing to get his team that second "W" in the UAAP Finals versus the DLSU Green Archers. He was replaced by his assistant, Bert Flores, and armed with essentially the same roster, Flores was able to return to the Finals, this time dispatching the Archers and nabbing the championship trophy.

It looks like the FEU braintrust are hoping history will repeat itself, as the Philippine Daily Inquirer reports that the team has rehired Flores, to replace Glenn Capacio.

"The last coach to steer Far Eastern University to the UAAP championship is back at the helm

Bert Flores, who mentored the 2005 champion squad powered by Arwind Santos, hopes to bring his winning touch anew this season when the Tamaraws go for another shot at the men’s basketball crown.

Flores will be assisted by former pro standouts Johnny Abarrientos, Victor Pablo and Richie Ticzon. Jorge Gallent, the head coach of B-Meg Derby Ace Llamados, will act as consultant."

The hiring fills the last coaching vacancy, in an offseason that saw half the coaches get replaced. FEU had been inundated with rumors that the other assistants, Richie Ticzon, especially, would get the nod, but Flores stood above them, with a championship already on his resume. Given the veteran nature of this Tamaraw squad and the last year status of some of its stars, it's presumed that management opted to go with its best chance to win by getting someone who has already been there.

As for Flores' style, it was very similar to Koy's, very defense-oriented, a fact he stressed in the article, saying:

“We have to bring back our defensive game,” said Flores yesterday. “The past FEU champion teams won mainly because of defense.”