An era for National University has come to an end
According to multiple sources closely monitoring the situation, six-year National University Bulldogs head coach Eric Altamirano and his entire coaching staff have resigned from National University.
An emergency meeting was held between Altamirano’s camp and the upper management of NU’s Men’s Basketball team last Wednesday, Tiebreaker Times sources shared. During the said meeting, the architect of the Bulldogs’ surge this decade requested for his resignation. Altamirano and his staff formally submitted their resignation last Friday, one of the sources added.
During his first year in NU, the Bulldogs finished fifth in the standings with a 6-8 slate. His second year with the Bulldogs then saw a remarkable turnaround as NU made the Final Four for the first time in 10 years.
His iconic moment that will live on in UAAP folklore happened in his fourth year. Altamirano steered the Bulldogs to their first championship in 60 years after a classic three-game series against the Far Eastern University Tamaraws. After ending NU’s odyssey, the champion head coach was offered a contract like no other.
“As long as he wants,” said National University chairman Hans Sy during the UAAP Season 77 Men’s Basketball Championship ceremony.
The Bulldogs finished in fifth place in his sixth and final year in Jhocson Street with a 5-9 slate. His last season with NU was marred by off-court issues, including the ineligibility of key piece Matthew Aquino days before Season 79 started.
With his vision, the 50-year-old mentor had a successful six years with NU, resulting in a UAAP championship and four Final Four appearances. He compiled a 50-43 record with NU, 46-38 in the regular season.
His player development during that time was also second to none, having honed student-athletes like two-time UAAP MVP Bobby Ray Parks, Troy Rosario, Gelo Alolino, Glenn Khobuntin, Alfred Aroga, and Jean Mbe — just to name a few — into better holistic individuals. Under his watch, over 20 former Bulldogs have graduated with a degree, Aroga being the latest early this month.
Leaving NU as well are assistant coaches Joey Guanio, Vic Ycasiano, Paolo Layug, and Anton Altamirano.
The NU Men’s Basketball team, headed by team manager Manny Sy of New Golden City Builders, already have candidates in mind to replace Altamirano, the source reported.
