Sandy Arespacochaga’s relationship with Ateneo de Manila University needs no introduction.
Having devoted decades of service to the Blue Eagles, both as a player and coach, it comes as no surprise that when Ateneo needed him, he was ready to answer the call.
Already navigating unique circumstances within its coaching staff before the start of the season, Ateneo faced another challenge with the one- and two-game suspensions of head coach Louie Alas, further highlighting the need for another veteran presence on the sidelines.
That presence came in the form of Arespacochaga, who stepped away from the program in February to focus on his commitments with TNT Tropang 5G in the PBA and the Gilas Pilipinas Youth Women’s program. However, he has since returned in a temporary capacity to help the Blue Eagles through their final three games of the season.
As it turned out, the timing of his return coincided with an extended break in TNT’s schedule, allowing the veteran tactician to lend a hand to his former team without compromising his existing commitments.
“With TNT, it just so happened that there’s a long break until December 4. So Ateneo [team manager] Nico Salva talked to [team manager] Jojo Lastimosa and Coach Chot (Reyes) if maybe I could help in a more official capacity because of the situation,” Arespacochaga explained following Ateneo’s 62-55 loss to Adamson University on Wednesday.
“We’re in a weird situation right now, starting a couple of months ago. And they just asked, since walang conflict of interest with TNT,” he added.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Arespacochaga also expressed his gratitude to TNT management, particularly Sir Ricky Vargas, for allowing him to temporarily return to the Blue Eagles’ bench while the Tropang 5G are on a break from competition.
He likewise extended his appreciation to Ateneo University President Fr. Bobby Yap for the opportunity to help the program once more.
For the longtime Ateneo mentor, however, his return is hardly about assuming a prominent role within the coaching staff.
Rather, it is an opportunity to provide much-needed experience and guidance to a relatively young group of coaches navigating an unconventional stretch for the program.
“Our goal is to help the players as much as we can, and my goal is to help the coaches as much as I can,” Arespacochaga said.
“The reality is how old I am, I’m already a veteran coach, and they asked for a veteran, me, to help in any way I can assist.”
Despite his extensive coaching experience, Arespacochaga made it clear that his latest stint with Ateneo is strictly temporary.
“Yes, I’m one of the assistants, but mediyo temporary lang with the unique situation. Any way we can help the staff, Coach Louie, Coach RJ (Jazul),” he clarified.
His return, however, did not immediately translate into a victory, as the Blue Eagles fell to the Adamson Soaring Falcons in his first game back in an official capacity in the UAAP Season 89 Men’s Basketball Tournament.
Still, Arespacochaga was quick to credit the opposition while keeping his focus on Ateneo’s remaining assignments.
“Sayang that we lost; it’s a tough loss, but we’ve got two more games left,” he noted.
“We wish we could’ve won, but Adamson really played well also. They played tough. So credit to Adamson, Coach Nash (Racela), and his coaching staff.”
Beyond the results on the court, Arespacochaga emphasized that he is just one of many individuals continuing to support the Blue Eagles amid the challenges surrounding the program.
“A lot of people are trying to help as much as we can for a long time, and there are people behind the scenes who are really helping out,” he shared.
“This particular situation, any way we can help, so malaking bagay yun.”
And while his latest return to the Ateneo sidelines may only last a handful of games, Arespacochaga’s willingness to answer the call once more underscores a connection with the Blue Eagles that has endured well beyond his previous coaching stint.
