Ariel Vanguardia

Ariel Vanguardia (born September 29, 1972) is a Filipino professional basketball coach who currently serves as the assistant coach for the Vanguard Lions of the Pacific West Conference.

Early life and education Hailing from Calamba, Laguna , Ariel Vanguardia was born on September 29, 1972. Vanguardia attended the De La Salle University where he obtained a degree in business management.

He briefly managed a printing press shop and a video rental store in 1996 until he began focusing on coaching.

He served as an assistant coach for Talk 'N Text Phone Pals, and served as an interim when Joel Banal was coaching Ateneo. Vanguardia's tenure as interim marred of playing controversy, including players of the Phone Pals who intentionally playing or not scoring points.

JRU Heavy Bombers He served as head coach of JRU Heavy Bombers, and led them into a finals appearance in 2008. But due to a final four fail in 2009, he was replaced by Vergel Meneses.

After coaching Bombers, he served as an assistant for Barako Bull from 2009 to 2010.

Westports Malaysia Dragons He previously coached the Westports Malaysia Dragons in the Asean Basketball League, where he won the team's first championship in 2016. On May 31, 2016, it was announced that he was appointed to his first PBA head coaching job as coach of the PBA team Phoenix Fuel Masters, replacing Koy Banal.

Blu Detergent Dragons He also took over as team consultant of Blu Star Detergent Dragons, a team composed of the players of the Dragons in the 2016 PBA D-League Foundation Cup.

Blackwater Bossing In 2021, he was hired by Blackwater Bossing as their head coach, replacing Nash Racela but for interim basis.

Assistant for Atlanta Hawks For the 2024 NBA Summer League, Vanguardia became part of the Atlanta Hawks as an assistant coach and scout.

Vanguard Lions Vanguardia was named part of the staff of the Vanguard Lions for the 2025–26 season.

Coaching record Collegiate record

Professional