CHICAGO— Is it the water, the energy drink, or the struggling economy?
Whatever the cause, there’s something dangerously anomalous happening in the ongoing UAAP Season 89 men’s and women’s basketball tournaments.
Coaches behaving badly.
Leading the charge is interim Ateneo head coach Louie Alas who was assessed with a technical foul for “forcefully” pulling La Salle player Jcee Macalalag back on his feet during Ateneo’s 83-76 loss to the Green Archers last Wednesday.
Not to be outdone, Alas’ assistant, Kerby Raymundo, got a technical foul for “verbally taunting” Vhoris Marasigan.
GUTTER ANTICS.
As they descended from their dynastic run, the Blue Eagles have had some ugly spots where Ateneo got blown out and shun from the Final Four.
But even through those droughts that began in UAAP Season 86, then coach Tab Baldwin and his staff never resorted to thuggish behavior.
Somebody ought to remind Alas and his crew that they’re not in high school anymore. And that they must handle adversity like adults.
BULLDOG BULLY.
But wait, that’s not all the misconduct that has plagued the league this week.
Last Saturday, NU Lady Bulldogs deputy coach Paul Du reportedly knocked down UST assistant coach Arsenio Dysangco with a wicked elbow.
And the fracas occurred, of all places, at the handshake line where gestures of mutual respect, decorum and sportsmanship take place.
I sent a text message to both UAAP president Mark Molina and commissioner Jai Reyes asking for comment.
Neither replied.
Neither seems to care that UAAP basketball is pivoting towards WWE.
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