Champion player, champion coach

MANILA, Philippines - Eric Altamirano achieved a rare personal milestone in the UAAP when he steered the National U Bulldogs to the UAAP Season 77 men’s basketball crown.

A champion player during his collegiate career with the University of the Philippines in 1986, Altamirano experienced a championship as well as head coach nearly 30 years later.

“I’m just honored to be part of two histories – the history of winning a championship as a player and then the history of winning as a coach. Hindi naman lahat ng tao mae-experience yung ganon (Not everyone gets to enjoy such an experience) so I’m just honored and humbled by that opportunity na binigay ni God sa akin,” Altamirano said.

On both occasions, Altamirano’s team broke a long-standing title drought.

“Doon sa UP, it was 48 years. Itong sa NU, 60 years, mas matagal ito (While we were with UP, we won the championship after 48 years; here at NU, we waited longer at 60 years),” he said.

“Actually yung sa UP, we had to go through playoffs din (too). We had to beat FEU in a playoff then UE twice in the finals. Natutuwa ako for the opportunity na makarating kami dito at manalo ng championship (I’m just glad for the opportunity to get into the finals and win a championship coaching NU), he said.

Altamirano won Finals MVP honors when he and pals Benjie Paras, Ronnie Magsanoc, and current NU assistant Joey Guanio raised the trophy for the Maroons.

“Hindi ko makalimutan iyun (that final game was unforgettable); Nag-foul out si Ronnie  Magsanoc (fouled out) so I had to be the only guard there. We won and I think I scored a lot of baskets,” he recounted.

Work wasn’t over though as Altamirano drove from the Ultra to Rizal Memorial for a PABL game.

“After the game, I had to go to PABL, play another game for Yco. That’s two full games for me and we went into overtime (in the PABL); I played a good game there also,” he said.

After his retirement from playing, Altamirano went into coaching. His first collegiate stint was with UP, leading the Maroons to the Final Four in 1996. He moved to the PBA and coached Purefoods to the 1997 PBA All-Filipino title and Mobiline to the 1998 PBA Centennial Cup.

He took over as NU mentor in Season 74, where the Bulldogs placed fifth. They reached the Final Four in the next three seasons.

The Bobby Ray Parks-led Bulldogs took No. 1 seeding in the Season 76 hostilities but failed to advance to the finals after losing twice to Santo Tomas, triggering calls for Altamirano’s head from some quarters. 

“Masakit (It hurts) when you hear that but again when I started coaching this year I did not think about that. Sabi ko (I told myself) it’s not about me, it’s about the team. I’m at the age right now na hindi ko na iniisip yun (I don’t mind those talks). Ang iniisip ko na lang yung ano ba ang para sa NU (I was thinking about what’s in store for NU). Kasi talagang when I took this job sa NU nobody wanted it. I was there when we were rebuilding this team. It was a long process; a lot of heartbreaks, heartaches,” he said.

NU owner Hans Sy never lost faith in Altamirano.

“I knew there were lots of questions last year kung tatanggalin namin siya (if we would fire him). I talked to Eric. I told him this is what happens when people know your contract is ending and there are those eyeing the job. So I assured him, don’t worry, we will continue with you because I believe in your program; I know how you gained the respect of the players,” he said.

With the championship in the bag, Altamirano’s future with NU is more than secure.

“As long as he can, as long as he wants (the job),” said Sy.