Honored is Denok Miranda for the opportunity to serve his alma mater after being appointed as the new head coach of Far Eastern University.
After all, it was in FEU where he was able to make a name for himself that led to a 12-year career in the Philippine Basketball Association that saw him win two championships.
“Siyempre, I’m grateful and thankful sa opportunity na binigay sa akin ng FEU. Alam niyo naman na doon ako naglaro at binigyan nila ako ng chance na mag-blossom,” said Miranda, who was the head coach of the Baby Tamaraws in their 116-80 win over University of the East as Allan Alabano was attending to personal matters.
“Yung culture dun sa men’s, walang katulad sa ibang school. Medyo low profile kami pero yung pride ng school iba.”
Miranda has only been a coach starting in 2018.
Back then, he was both head coach of Binan City in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League and an assistant to Olsen Racela in FEU.
And at just 40 years old, he now has the unenviable task of leading a storied program.
But Miranda is glad to have a more than able staff that will guide him in his new endeavor. That staff will be led by team consultant Johnny Abarrientos — a student of the great Tim Cone.
“Honored ako na ako maghehead coach. Hindi ko siya kaya mag-isa, nandiyan naman si Kuya Johnny, Coach Allan, Coach Eric (Gonzales), Coach Jonathan (De Guzman), Coach Vic (Pablo), and Sir Mark (Molina). Alam ko na magtutulong tulong kami,” he said.
“Siyempre, nandiyan din si Boss Anton (Montinola) na nag-guide sa akin as a player at as a son. Sa lahat, sa negosyo, all-around na tumulong siya sa amin.“
Pressure will be on Miranda as he tries to steer FEU back to the Final Four.
The Tamaraws missed the Final Four a season ago after eight straight appearances.
Miranda assured the community that the Tamaraws will be intact next season. Moreover, defense will be their bread and butter.
“Excited ako kasi rookie experience ko sa FEU pa. Lahat na experience ko, starter ako, role player, at bench player, alam ko ang nararamdaman ng mga players. Ngayon, ako yung pinaka bata sa mga coaches,” said Miranda.
“Siyempre, Final Four mabigat yan. Ang maassure ko sa FEU community ay bago yung FEU — na makikilala kami sa depensa. Yun yung culture namin. Exciting yung FEU ngayon.”
Denok’s son Dwyne is proud that his father can finally show the country what he is capable of.
“Sobrang proud ako sa kay Papa kasi makakalaban na niya sila Coach Gold at yung Ateneo. Masaya ako na marerepresent niya yung FEU,” said Gwyne, a Grade 11 guard who had 11 points, eight assists, four rebounds, and two steals against UE.
