In a stunning turn of events, Far Eastern University bid farewell to long-time Baby Tamaraws head coach Allan Albano after almost two decades of service.
His departure has opened a new chapter in his career at Perpetual Help under Olsen Racela, while Denok Miranda stepped into the spotlight as the newly appointed head coach of the Baby Tamaraws—a shift that has sparked intrigue and speculation behind the scenes.
Albano, who dedicated 17 years to his alma mater, left FEU in December and has since joined the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA as an assistant coach under former Tamaraws mentor Olsen Racela.
Before the clash between the Baby Tamaraws and the NUNS Bullpups in the UAAP Season 87 High School Boys’ Basketball Tournament, Miranda shared his sentiments about Albano’s departure and his new chapter in coaching.
“Malaking kawala sa amin kasi matagal na siya naging coach ng high school at ng women’s. May mga part tayo na hindi natin macontrol at ang management lang ang nakakaalam. Happy ako na nandoon siya sa Perpetual kasama si coach Olsen at nang makapagsimula siya ulit,” Miranda, the concurrent FEU head of basketball operations, told Tiebreaker Times.
Miranda acknowledged that certain decisions, especially those involving management, were beyond his control.
“Nung time ko sa FEU nung dumating ako, may natutunan ako sa kanya, pero hand-in-hand kami ‘eh, parehas kami nag-collab. Nakapag-champion nung time nila Pasaol so may mga napulot ako sa kanya as a coach,” he added.
(C) UAAP Season 86 Media Team
However, Albano’s sudden exit raised questions and speculation, as FEU is known for nurturing its coaches.
Some even accused Miranda of influencing Albano’s departure, citing a possible “power struggle” within the Tamaraws program.
Miranda firmly denied these allegations.
“Wala. Yung mga ganyan na bagay na ‘yan, medyo malalim ang sitwasyon pero yung mga ganyang sinasabi nila, hindi totoo ‘yan. Hindi ko naman pwede sabihin kung ano totoong nangyari, at hindi ko naman sinasave ang sarili ko, pero Diyos lang ang makakaalam niyan,” Miranda explained.
“Paanong power struggle? ‘Yun ang umaano sa akin, sa akin lahat bumabagsak na sisi. Pero syempre, opinion ng ibang tao ‘yan eh. Hindi naman nila alam kung ano totoo diyan. Yung mga nagsasabi noon, Diyos lang ang nakakaalam ng totoo.”
Despite the swirling rumors, Miranda has remained focused on leading the Baby Tamaraws.
