Betia joins Blackwater coaching staff

THE integration of former Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. Cesafi superstar Rey Anthony Suerte into the pros is set to go a lot smoother with the presence of Cebuano assistant coach Ryan Betia in the Blackwater Elite staff.

Betia is a former assistant coach of the University of San Carlos Warriors who has made his way up the ladder in Manila and was brought on to join the coaching staff of recently named Blackwater head coach Nash Racela.

Betia has previously functioned as an assistant to Racela back when the latter was still the head coach of the Far Eastern University Tamaraws in the UAAP.

Betia expressed his excitement at working with Suerte, a former two-time Most Valuable Player award-winner in the Cesafi, who after a spectacular one-and-done season with the University of the East in the UAAP, was selected second overall in the 2019 PBA Draft last Sunday, Dec. 8.

“I’m very excited to be working with Rey (Suerte) and Paul (Desiderio). I am hoping I can help them in their careers in the PBA,” said the soft-spoken mentor in an exclusive talk with SunStar Cebu.

The road has been long and winding for Betia, who started off as an assistant coach for USC under Jay Ramirez and Mike Reyes. He has since gone on to play the role of assistant coach at FEU as well as the Gilas Pilipinas.

“It’s really overwhelming to be quite honest,” said Betia. “I just approach it the same way with my previous experiences especially at Gilas. I just have to be meticulous and pay attention to the details.”

When asked for any piece of advice he could give to local coaches who harbor dreams of making it to the next level, Betia said: “Just be positive and remain patient.” (JNP)

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