Manila, Sept. 17 -- Matthew Sia will coach the University of the East junior basketball team, Strong Group Athletics announced Wednesday.

The Junior Warriors will kick off their UAAP Season 88 title defense against the National University-Nazareth Bullpups on Sept. 21 at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

Sia takes over from Andrew Estrella, who will be the team's consultant as he leads the Letran Squires in the NCAA. He will be assisted by Karl Santos, who also coaches UE's Under 19 team.

Sia served under Santos with the La Salle Greenhills Greenies from 2015 to 2021. He also had stints with the Letran Knights, Adamson Lady Falcons, PBA 3x3 teams, and Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League teams Imus, Pampanga, Bicol, and Valenzuela. ...