One UAAP team has began the search for a new coach while another may end up seeing the return of its beloved mentor as the carousel has already began ahead of next season’s cage wars.
National University yesterday accepted the resignation of coach Eric Altamirano, the man who ended the Bulldogs’ 60-year title drought in 2014, with his successor likely to be named early next month.
No replacement has been eyed as of yet, but athletic director Chito Loyzaga, who acts as the school’s board representative, said the school is open to interested applicants before trimming the list at the start of the year.
Altamirano called it quits after serving five seasons as Bulldogs mentor, capped off by the memorable 2014 title run that came despite barely making the Final Four.
“We would like to thank coach Eric for his contributions, particularly the championship he spearheaded in 2014,” Loyzaga said. “It was a championship that NU got after 60 years, it’s a memorable for the National University community and we’re very thankful.”
NU struggled this season by going 5-9, marred by a six-game losing skid in between the first and second round.
Altamirano tendered his resignation last week but it took a while before NU management led by school owner Hans Sy and team manager Manny Sy to decide on going to a new direction.
Meanwhile, University of Santo Tomas supporters were left intrigued when Pido Jarencio posted on his social media accounts a picture of the Cinderella championship romp in 2006 which he coached.