The legendary Baby Dalupan, a pillar in Philippine basketball, has touched a lot of lives in his coaching career that spanned almost five decades. One of the fortunate ones to have learned and be under the tutelage of The Maestro was current Mapua Cardinals head coach and PBA legend Atoy Co.
Co, now 64, led the Crispa Redmanizers to two grand slam championships in the PBA. Moreover, he is one of the leading scorers of that fabled squad, winning the MVP crown back in 1979.
“He is a man of few words but you know how important the game is to him. Nagpapasalamat ako dahil binigyan niya ako ng career,” Co reflected during Dulapan’s 92nd birthday a year ago.
“Ang una ko talagang ginagawa ay taga guwardiya. Lahat ng scorer ng kabila, ako ang guguwardiya. Si coach Baby, alam niya paano niya gagamitin ang players niya at yung talento. Alam niya itatapat niya sa ibang coach.”
Wednesday evening, Dalupan passed after succumbing to pneumonia. The Fortune Cookie was visibly grieving but was able to find the strength to coach the Cardinals against the JRU Heavy Bombers later in the afternoon.
“Actually nalungkot ako. Dalang dala ko pagpunta dito sa Arena,” Co, who was teary eyed, shared.
“Parang nawalan ako ng tatay.”
Co, who is one of the 25 greatest players in the PBA, shared some of his fond moments with the mentor.
“Yung 10 years ko sa Crispa, we’re really close. Hindi tulad sa ibang professional na player, yung relationship namin more on family affair,” he furthered.
“I really owe him a lot and the disciplined he instilled in me,” Co reflected. “Sa practice namin, go hard ka every time. Hindi ka puwedeng pa-petiks-petiks. Sa scrimmage pa lang, go hard ka na. You have to practice very well para makasama ka sa first five.”
The 6’2 sharpshooter then shared a story about how Dalupan treated his star players the same way he treated its third-stringers.
“Namura ako,” he shared with a smile. “Kasi during the game, nagkainitian kami ni [Bernie] Fabiosa kasi ayaw sa akin ipasa ‘yung bola. Yung pinasa niya saka akin, binalibag ko yung bola sa kanya, sabi ko ‘bakit ngayon mo pa isasama eh kanina ko pa hinihingi. Alanganin na.’”
“Eh nakita ni coach. pag halftime, minura ako. Kung ano pinagagawa mo.He wont say p—— ama..Ibig sabihin galit na siya nun.”
Dalupan’s no-nonsense approach to the game was the inspiration of Co’s coaching style.
“Discipline. Kasi yun kahit superstar ka pero na-late ka o hindi ka naka-attend ng practice without any excuse, babangko ka,” he gushed.
“As much as possible, you won’t be absent in practice especially without any legitimate excuse.”
The PBA legend then reiterated how fortunate he is to have known the one and only Maestro.
“That’s why he’s great. He has that magic on how to really do things. Proven naman kasi. I was one of lucky players na nag-under sa kanya.”
