Ever since his playing days in the PBA, Denok Miranda has always extended a helping hand to his former teammate and good friend, Jeff Napa.
So it was perfect timing that, after ending his coaching stint with his alma mater Far Eastern University, Miranda joined Napa at National University.
Miranda, who helped the Tamaraws win two UAAP titles during his playing days, is now serving as an assistant across all three of Napa’s basketball programs at NU — the 16-under, the high school boys’, and the men’s teams.
“Matagal na kami magkaibigan ni Jeff, since college pa kasi magkakampi kami sa PBL dati nung nag-champion kami,” shared Miranda on Sunday after NU’s 72-57 win over University of the East.
“So nung nagko-coach siya sa NU High School, nagko-communicate na kami and nag-head coach siya sa Letran ng college, so nagpapatulong siya sa akin non before eh nasa PBA pa ako no’n. Sabi ko sige, kapag may chance tayo tulungan kita kasi focus pa ako sa paglalaro,” he added.
“Nung nag-retire na ako, siyempre ‘yung alma mater natin nandiyan eh. Ito ‘yung opportunity na magkasama kami ngayon, hopefully makatulong ako lalo na kay coach Kevin De Castro sa high school saka kay coach Leo Pujante sa 16-under.”
Miranda’s first head coaching stint was, of course, with FEU’s men’s program in Seasons 85 and 86, compiling an 8-20 record as the team missed the Final Four both times.
He then transitioned to FEU’s high school boys’ squad in Season 87 while also assuming the role of program director for the university, hiring Sean Chambers to lead the collegiate team.
In June this year, he was replaced by Mike Reyes, effectively closing his chapter with the Tamaraws but also giving him time to reflect.
Now at NU, Miranda is taking in every lesson he can from Napa and the experienced coaching staff led by veteran mentors Siot Tanquingcen and Glenn Capacio.
“Dito sa college, nood-nood, siyempre natututo rin ako sa kanila. Si Jeff beteranong coach na, ang dami niya nang na-experience. Pati sa coaching staff — nandoon si coach Siot Tangquincen, naging coach ko siya sa San Miguel; coach Glenn Capacio, siyempre nakaka-pick up ako ng great minds sa coaching,” said the 43-year-old Miranda.
Just a game into his new role and school, Miranda will face his alma mater right away when the Bulldogs take on FEU in their second game this Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
But for him, it’s just another game — with a touch of nostalgia.
“Regular game lang naman. Basketball eh, diba?” he shared.
“Mixed emotions naman yun. Siyempre nag-champion pa rin tayo doon, eskwelahan ko pa rin yun. Pero for now, siyempre nandito ako sa NU kung ano yung maitatrabaho ko dito sa NU.”
