An era in women’s basketball has ended on Sunday.
Patrick Aquino has stepped down as head coach of National University’s women’s basketball team.
Aquino, 50, confirmed the development to Tiebreaker Times.
“I am officially stepping down as head coach of the NU Women’s Basketball team,” Aquino told Tiebreaker Times moments after leading Gilas Women to their second straight Southeast Asian Games gold. After six straight years of being a champion, I know that we were able to sustain a winning culture.
“I thank NU and the management headed by Sir Herbert Sy and our major supporter Dioceldo Sy for believing in me since day one. Our top teambackers fully support my decision and will still help whoever will come to me to continue what we started.”
Taking over for Aquino is Aris Dimaunahan.
Aquino, a product of University of the Philippines, took over the NU program back in UAAP Season 75.
After a silver finish in his sophomore year, Aquino would steer the Lady Bulldogs to six straight championships, going on an unprecedented 96-game winning streak.
In NU, he was able to groom the likes of Afril Bernardino, Jack Animam, Gemma Miranda, and many more into national team stalwarts.
(C) PSC-POC Media Group
For Aquino, he has to focus on the Gilas Women program now as unlike the men’s side, he is handling both the 3×3 and 5-on-5 programs of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas across all age categories.
“Need to prioritize and focus on my role as program director in SBP because we will be very busy in the coming months from building the U16 and U18 programs, 3×3, and 5-on-5 tournaments.”
Moreover, Aquino will be part of Ariel Vanguardia’s staff in Blackwater.
