RICKY Dandan has resurfaced as a member of the coaching staff of the Ateneo Blue Eagles following his exit from University of the Philippines midway through Season 76 of the UAAP men’s basketball tournament.
Ateneo coach Bo Perasol confirmed that Dandan has been joining team practices to assist him, although there is no official word from management yet on his official status.
Dandan’s impending transfer to Ateneo, where he was once an assistant coach under Joe Lipa, came after he was unceremoniously booted out of the Maroons job last season following another losing run in Diliman.
They Said It!
“Malaking tulong na magagawa niya, kahit anong sabihin nila." - Ateneo coach Bo Perasol on hiring former UP coach Ricky Dandan
Perasol, however, was quick to defend Dandan from criticisms over his performance with UP and his coaching knowledge, saying that his former lieutenant at Powerade in the PBA has much to offer to the Blue Eagles team that missed the Final Four last season.
“Malaking tulong na magagawa niya, kahit anong sabihin nila. Defense kasi ang kulang ko. I need someone na magbibigay ng pang-equalize sa aming offense,” said Perasol.
“Hindi ko naman siya kukunin kung wala siyang maitutulong sa team,” he added. “He knows every team in the league and the only way you can stop them is to know their personnel.”
Dandan was earlier spotted on the Ateneo bench when the Blue Eagles played a tune-up game against the Gilas Pilipinas team bound for the 2013 Southeast Asian Games in Myanmar, although the ex-UP head coach seconded Perasol’s statements that nothing is final.
But Dandan is glad to help out and return to Ateneo.
“Panibagong challenge. Familiar naman ako kay Bo, matagal na kaming magkasama sa PBA kaya medyo malinaw naman ‘yung role,” said Dandan.
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