Sean Chambers is setting out to fully realize another dream in the Philippines, where all his other dreams have come true before.

The 59-year-old American has signed a coaching deal with the Far Eastern University Tamaraws in the upcoming UAAP Season 87. 

Following a successful pro career in the PBA with Alaska Milkmen where he achieved six PBA titles during his run as an import, Chambers is looking to bring over that winning culture to Morayta, which has lost its basketball glory in the past two seasons. 

“I’ve always had this kind of energy about the UAAP and the desire to coach there. Even when I was back in the States, I’m like, ‘one day I’d like to get back to the Philippines and coach in the UAAP’,” said Chambers. 

“The uniqueness about me and this country, everything I’ve ever imagined and dreamed about winning a Grand Slam for Alaska, winning championships and Best Import, my dreams always came true here,” he added. 

“The desire to coach in the UAAP [makes me go] ‘that’s crazy. How did that happen?’ I was in the States as a principal for 15 years, and then all of a sudden [I’m] getting an opportunity for coaching, a coaching position in FEU. I’m just fortunate cause this is an experience I will cherish like gold.”

His former Alaska teammate and long-time friend Johnny Abarrientos, who is an alumnus of FEU, helped pave the way for Chambers to eventually secure the coaching gig. 

Though he was previously clouded with doubts about his capabilities to lead the Tamaraws and was admittedly nervous, Chambers is now excited to see what’s in store for him in the UAAP. 

Having been back not long ago, he had to miss five games in FEU’s campaign in the Filoil EcoOil 17th ECJ Preseason Cup for his son’s graduation. 

Nevertheless, FEU’s bronze medal finish in the preseason tournament is good enough for him to start with and go about his duty as there is a lot of learning ahead of him to make his breakthrough as a coach in Philippine basketball this time. 

“I’m truly, truly honored and I feel blessed to be part of the FEU organization. I feel a complete sense of honor to be back in the Philippines and get this opportunity,” he said. 

“It gives me a slight, a little bit of what the UAAP is gonna be like. There’s a little bit of area for me to grow and some areas to improve,” he added.