4 teams eye new coaches

AS many as four coaches could lose their post for varying reasons at the close of the 73rd season of the University Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament.

The possibility cropped up after University of the Philippines Maroons coach Boyet Fernandez tendered his resignation last week, even as University of Santo Tomas’ Pido Jarencio and University of the East’s Lawrence Chongson hinted that they could be replaced when their contract ends three months from now.

Over at National University, school officials are reportedly looking to elevate consultant and national junior coach Eric Altamirano as the team’s new coach for the 74th season.

Fernandez said that he had already tendered his resignation after UP lost to UE, 61-67, last Saturday. He said his resignation should give the school management a free hand to decide whether to replace him or not.

“I respect the side of the management. Pero, hindi ko sila iiwan hangga’t wala silang replacement. But I have no regrets even though 0-14 kami,” said Fernandez after UP ended the season with its worst finish since ending up winless three years ago under Joe Lipa.

Sources said the school may tap either Jigs Mendoza, Benjie Paras or Ronnie Magsanoc next season, along with Ariel Vanguardia, who used to handle the Jose Rizal Heavy Bombers.

Jarencio said the school could look for another coach when his contract ends this December, but there is a slight chance that they will keep him for another year as the Tigers may be ready to win a crown next season.

UE officials, meanwhile, remained silent on the status of Chongson, who said he may leave the team after steering it to the finals last year and sixth overall with a 6-8 card this season.

Altamirano could end up as the Bulldogs’ next coach after NU athletic director Junel Baculi hinted early this year that they may drop Gonzales if the team fails to make it to the Final Four.

Meanwhile, the University of the Philippines Pep Squad exuded a fiesta-like atmosphere which impressed the judges, winning back this year’s top honors in the UAAP cheerdance competition.

The five judges gave them an overall tally of 440.9 points, enabling them to snatch the crown from defending champion Far Eastern University. They earned the top purse of P340,000.

Peter Atencio, Manila Standard Today