Nazario Takes Over as Head Coach of DLSZ in UAAP

Gian Nazario is set to become the new head coach of the De La Salle Zobel Junior Archers, marking a key shift in the school’s basketball program. The move signals a stronger push to align La Salle’s high school and college teams under a shared system and vision.

Nazario, who has served as an assistant coach for the DLSU Green Archers, brings years of experience from the college level and a deep understanding of the program’s culture. His appointment at Zobel is expected to strengthen the pipeline of talent from the juniors to the seniors division.

“We want to be able to recruit guys into our high school system so when they progress to the seniors’ level, they’re ready to go,” said DLSU team manager Quinito Henson on The Navs Effect podcast. “It’s great within our organization—we have two guys involved in our high school programs, both in Zobel and Greenhills.”

The other one Henson is referring to is La Salle legend and four-time UAAP champion Renren Ritualo, who has joined the Green Archers as a shooting coach and has been the head coach of the LSGH Greenies for the last three NCAA seasons.

Nazario will take over from Boris Aldeguer, who will now serve as program director. The change comes at a time when DLSZ is showing flashes of promise. Despite falling short of the Final Four in UAAP Season 87, the Junior Archers picked up impressive wins against higher-ranked teams and saw standout performances from key players, including Kieffer Alas, who was named UAAP High School MVP.

With Nazario at the helm, Zobel is looking to build on that momentum. His presence is expected to bring continuity, structure, and a clear path for young talents aiming to make it to Taft.

The goal is simple: build a system that develops players early and prepares them for the next level. And with Nazario leading the way, Zobel is betting on a future that starts with stronger roots.