Noel Orcullo will sit as interim coach of De La Salle University for Season 85 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines while long-time head coach Ramil de Jesus takes a short break.
The Lady Spikers deputy bared that de Jesus is likely to miss most of the first round of the much-anticipated second semester spectator event which is set to open shop on Saturday, 25 February, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“I’ll take charge for the meantime although coach Ramil will be there to guide me,” Orcullo said on Wednesday during the tournament press conference.
Orcullo, who will make his debut on Sunday, 16 Feb., against University of Santo Tomas, said that the decorated mentor is expected to rejoin La Salle by the last half of the two-round eliminations.
“Hopefully, by second round he’ll be back. Probably (he’ll still be present during games in the first round),” Orcullo said.
De Jesus takes a time out after 24 seasons of calling the shots for the Lady Spikers due to undisclosed personal reasons.
Under his watch, De Jesus steered the Taft-based squad to 11 titles including the team’s last crown in 2018 and seven runner-up finishes.
Orcullo, who handled La Salle during its runner-up run in the Shakey’s Super League 2022 Collegiate Pre-Season Tournament behind UAAP Finals tormentor National University, admitted that despite running the same system implemented by De Jesus, this will be the biggest challenge of his coaching career.
“Of course, I’d be more confident if coach Ramil is there. But since he won’t be around this time and I’ve already handled the team during the Shakey’s (Super League), I’m telling myself that I can do it,” he said.
Orcullo also jested that his appointment gave him some sleepless nights.
“It seems a bit difficult to shake the stress especially at night when I’m about to sleep. Hopefully, I’ll be able to do my job since I’ve already tried coaching the team during the Shakey’s Super League. Hopefully, I’ll improve going into this UAAP,” he said.
After his UAAP Season 84 stint, De Jesus also skipped calling the shots for F2 Logistics in last year’s Premier Volleyball League where he assigned Benson Bocboc to take his spot.
