‘Conflict in vision’ factored in Willie Miller’s exit as Squires head coach — source

Former Letran Squires head coach Willie Miller. Photo from NCAA Philippines.MANILA — Willie Miller has already left his post as the head coach of Colegio de San Juan de Letran in NCAA juniors basketball.

After only one season at the helm, the two-time PBA MVP formally announced on social media that he has stepped down from his position, following the Squires’ Season 100 campaign which saw them still reach the Final 4 despite seeing their previous stars move up to the collegiate ranks.

“[Thank you] to the Letran Squires players, Team 1 and 2, for allowing me, and the coaches to guide you kahit na 1 season lang. I've learned a lot from you guys,” said the Letran legend.

“Nakakatuwa and memorable ang journey natin ng Season 100. I will cherish our time forever. Good luck sa mga mag move up sa next level, and sa mga mag stay pa sa high school basketball, keep on working hard and stay disciplined.”

“Do not listen to those who don't have your best interest at heart! Stay focused!” Miller added.

While Miller showed no ill will in his post, a source informed ABS-CBN News that a "conflict" between him and some of the school's backers resulted in the PBA legend's sudden exit. 

The "conflict" apparently had to do with Miller's vision regarding player development.

“What Coach Willie is pushing for, is to allow him to develop homegrown players. He strongly believes that the talent that the Squires currently have is capable of winning a championship,” said the source, who also acknowledged the rule of the Converge FiberXers which prohibits its staff from holding head coaching posts in other leagues.

“Yes, there is the Converge rule, as he is also an assistant there. But it can’t be discounted that, unfortunately, some of their backers want to add more talent by recruiting from other schools. There is nothing wrong with recruiting players, that is not something new, but what will happen to the rookies and newcomers who just entered the team before Season 100? What will happen to their Team B players? They won’t be given enough chances to develop. This is high school basketball, and he believes that giving high school players an opportunity to prove themselves is just as sweet as winning a championship.”

Miller’s roster in the centennial season was composed of nine holdovers from their Season 99 back-to-back squad, while the other eight were either rookies or transferees.

And while Miller was still able to secure a Top 2 spot in the eliminations with his team — with the Squires only falling short of reaching the Finals after they were defeated by La Salle Greenhills in the Final 4 — this was apparently not enough for some of their backers.

“There is conflict in their vision, and Coach Willie strongly believes that developing homegrown players can be just as, if not, even more fruitful and effective than immediately getting new ones just because you fell short in your first year.”

The source added that the players were just as shocked as their parents and the Letran alumni, especially since Miller is a beloved figure in the institution.

For now, former Squires head coach Allen Ricardo will oversee the program, while Miller will stay on as a team consultant.