The search for a new varsity boys basketball coach at St. Raymond began Tuesday as the school posted the opening on its website. But if you ask outgoing coach Oliver Antigua or any of the returning Ravens, the Bronx Catholic school shouldn’t have to look very far for the next head man.
“I am recommending coach [Jorge] Lopez for the job,” said Antigua, who resigned Monday to take an assistant coaching position at Manhattan College under Steve Masiello. “The school has a process they will go through before they make that decision.”
Lopez, who has also served as the school’s freshmen coach, was Antigua’s assistant for nine seasons. During that time, the Ravens remained one of the city’s most successful programs, winning two city titles with him on the bench in 2004 and 2012. Lopez was also the Varsity B coach for two seasons. When Antigua was hired as head coach in the 2002-2003 season, he was promoted from the top assistant spot under then-coach Gary DeCesare, who took a job at DePaul.
“I think he is someone who is worthy, who has paid his dues, put time into the program,” Antigua said of Lopez. “He’s ready to become a head coach. I hope that he will get the opportunity to run this program.”
St. Ray’s athletic director Ben Aguirre said that the school is going to form a search committee headed by Principal Br. Daniel Gardner and Aguirre. A link was posted on the school’s website on Tuesday announcing Antigua’s departure after 13 years, and asking all who want to apply for the job to contact Aguirre.
“This is something we want to get done soon,” Aguirre said. “I don’t want to put a timeline on it just in case we don’t meet that timeline. We do want to make this something that is of importance and try to get the best candidate as soon as possible.”
Aguirre didn’t want to speak on Lopez’s standing in the process, but said he will be one of the candidates considered. Rising senior star Shane Rector endorsed Lopez’s candidacy for head coach. The explosive and highly recruited guard feels moving him down the bench would be a seamless transition. A source familiar with the program’s other players say they are in favor of Lopez taking over as well.
“Everyone would like that,” Rector said. “He’s been with Antigua for many years. He knows what Antigua expected from us. He expects the same thing from us. There really wouldn’t be that much of a change. I think he will be able to come in and do a good job.”