Jeff Napa returns to Letran as coaching consultant

MANILA, Philippines – Just a year removed from his Letran Knights head coaching spot, Jeff Napa is back on the NCAAA sidelines after being hired as consultant on Wednesday, November 20. 

For his continued services to the Knights especially during their Season 95 championship run, Letran’s special assistant to the rector for sports development Alfrancis Chua gave Napa the consultancy gig early Wednesday morning after the team’s bonfire celebration on campus. 

“Masaya ako sa tiwalang binigay sa akin ni boss Al [Chua], coach Bonnie [Tan], boss Waiyip [Chong], at ng buong team,” Napa said. “Hindi sila nag-dalawang isip na ibalik ako sa team kaya thankful ako kay boss Al at sa Letran.” 

(I’m happy with the trust boss Al, coach Bonnie, boss Waiyip and the whole team gave me. They didn’t have second thoughts to get me back so I’m thankful to boss Al and Letran.) 

Despite the school not renewing his contract after an early playoff exit last year, the multi-titled mentor never strayed too far away from his wards whom he recruited piece by piece over the years. 

Tan, who is also the team manager of the PBA’s NorthPort Batang Pier, made sure his friend stayed in the coaching loop by hiring him as an assistant to head coach Pido Jarencio. 

Along with Chua and Jarencio, Napa joined Tan behind the bench during this year’s classic NCAA finals series against archrivals San Beda Red Lions, forming a so-called “super friends” in Letran’s all-star coaching stable. 

The move clearly worked wonders as the Knights sent the Lions – previously unbeaten in 32 straight games since last season – to a stunning finals series loss to cop their first title in 4 years. (READ: Letran ends San Beda reign, captures NCAA crown) 

Now officially back in Letran, Napa is set to boost an already formidable all-Filipino Letran squad still led by former Rookie of the Year Larry Muyang, Gilas cadet Jeo Ambohot and current Finals MVP Fran Yu. – Rappler.com