The Chery Tiggo Crossovers have appointed former NU Lady Bulldogs tactician Norman Miguel as their new head coach, replacing Kungfu Reyes--who will remain with the coaching staff.
The Chery Tiggo Crossovers will start fresh come the new PVL season after tapping former NU Lady Bulldogs head coach Norman Miguel as their new tactician.
Miguel will replace longtime head coach Kungfu Reyes, who will be part of Chery Tiggo’s coaching staff.
“Sila Coach Kungfu [Reyes] will still help and support the coaching staff and the players. Basically, I'll be the head coach now,” Miguel confirmed of the development.
“In terms of 'yung relationship, hindi na ibang tao sa'kin sila Coach Kungfu. In the past, nagkasama na kami niyan sa Amihan and Bagwis national teams, and even doon sa mga coaching stints ko dati, nagkasama na rin kami sa university, sa UST,” he added.
[ALSO READ: UAAP: Coach Norman Miguel thankful for UST stint after cementing legacy with NU]
Last month, the veteran coach stepped down from his position as head coach of the Lady Bulldogs. But with a new offer just around the corner, Miguel decided to take on the challenge of leading the Crossovers.
“For me, it's about time na ma-test ko 'yung skills ko, kung saan tayo aabot sa ganitong level. 'Yun din, exploring na rin para sa career ko, how is it like coaching a professional team,” said Miguel.
“Honored naman ako na tinawagan ako ng Chery [Tiggo] and happy naman ako na this time, sa professional tournament, head coach naman ako kasi before, nasa coaching staff lang ako,” he added.
Miguel rejoined NU early last year after Karl Dimaculangan stepped down to a deputy role.
With Miguel at the helm, the Lady Bulldogs dominated UAAP Season 86, leading NU to a 12-2 record in the eliminations before defeating FEU and UST in the Final Four and Finals.
Miguel will look to steer the Crossovers into championship contention after finishing fourth and fifth in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino and Reinforced Conference, respectively.
Chery Tiggo will also have its stars Eya Laure and Jen Nierva back on the squad for the new PVL season after their duties with Alas Pilipinas.
[ALSO READ: PVL says Alas Pilipinas players can now re-join respective teams]
“I think, ako, kailangan ko munang ma-establish sa kanila 'yung relationship, especially sa mga players, and then reestablish 'yung relationship kasi may mga players dito sa Chery [Tiggo] na naging players ko rin naman in the past,” Miguel explained.
“I'm looking forward na magkaroon ng magandang relationship muna kasi for me, 'yun ang pinaka-importante. You have your connections with your players and coaching staff, and from there, we'll see kung ano 'yung mga adjustments, ano 'yung mga systems na pwedeng idagdag sa system ni Coach Kungfu,” he added.