The Captain is a coach-in-waiting

This appears on abs-cbnnews.com

The Captain is a coach-in-waiting

by rick olivares

At least six of the basketball players who joined the Philippine Basketball Association in 1988 have gone into coaching.

Ronnie Magsanoc, who went second in the rookie draft has coached San Beda to a NCAA title and has worked as an assistant with the Meralco Bolts and the Ateneo Blue Eagles.

His backcourt partner while at the University of the Philippines, Eric Altamirano, has coached Talk ‘N Text and Purefoods to some PBA championships and recently piloted National University to a UAAP crown.

Of the rookie batch of 1988, the four direct hires by a then rookie Purefoods squad have all gone into coaching.

Glenn Capacio found success as head tactician for his alma mater Far Eastern University and as an assistant at Letran, KIA, and La Salle.

Jerry Codinera learned his coaching chops while serving as an assistant to Aboy Castro over at UP before guiding his alma mater, the University of the East, and lately, Arellano University.

Jojo Lastimosa worked previously with Alaska and is now with FEU.

And the last of that celebrated batch, Alvin Patrimonio, has worked as a consultant with the University of Santo Tomas and recently, National University.

Technically, Patrimonio, who played for Mapua in the NCAA and his entire 17-year pro career with Purefoods, was a consultant and never sat on the bench. With the resignation of Altamirano from NU, Patrimonio, who was a consultant, was not renewed for his role – at press time – given the coaching change.

I figure that Patrimonio would be a very good coach for a team that needs his services. He’s been a player, a team consultant, and team manager and that gives a unique insight in understanding the game from all key areas. He’s won championships with Purefoods. He played for some of the best coaches in the business – Joe Lipa, Robert Jaworksi, Baby Dalupan, Chot Reyes, and Eric Altamirano to name a few. Furthermore, he also had a front row seat while observing Tim Cone when he led San Mig Coffee to a Grand Slam.

A person close to Patrimonio yet refuses to be named says, “Alvin can pass on to his players his skills as a player. He has always had a heart to win and to give 100% for his team. Alvin can bring his untarnished record as a player and manager. He wasn’t called “Captain Lionheart” for nothing. He also holds I think the most consecutive games played in the PBA, meaning he gives his heart in each and every game. He plays even when hurt. His reputation and name will be a big help in recruiting for any program be it in the college ranks or in the pros.”

I’ll say that’s a good resume coming from one of the PBA’s Greatest 40 Players.

This guy…. Should be given a shot.