MANILA---Jerry Codiñera will call the shots for the University of the East while Eric Altamirano will mentor National University in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament, officials from both schools said yesterday.

Codiñera has started the tough task of turning around the Warriors' sixth-place finish last season. Altamirano, a two-time PBA champion mentor, was elevated to the position after serving as consultant for the Bulldogs.

“We feel that for us to get the respect in the UAAP and to remove the [cellar-dweller] tag, we need a coach in the mold of Eric,” said NU athletic director Junel Baculi.

Altamirano replaced Eric Gonzales, who steered the Bulldogs to their best record in nine years with a fifth-best 7-7 slate. Codiñera took over from Lawrence Chongson.

University of the Philippines also recently tapped PBA deputy mentor Ricky Dandan as its head coach.

Far Eastern U has yet to name a replacement for the resigned Glenn Capacio, although Johnny Abarrientos and Vic Pablo have signed on as assistant coaches.

Altamirano has resigned from his post as national youth team head coach. Eyed to replace him is San Miguel Beer’s Olsen Racela, who will be one of the Beermen’s assistant coaches at the end of the ongoing Philippine Cup.

Top San Miguel officials have already allowed Racela to split duties with the Beermen and the national team if he ever gets the job.

Jasmine Payo, Phil. Daily Inquirer