As National University celebrated its 100th win in the UAAP Women’s Basketball Tournament on Wednesday at UST’s Quadricentennial Pavillion, one man was conspicuously missing.
The architect of the Lady Bulldogs program Patrick Aquino was not in the stands during the historic moment.
Aquino – who left the team last May to focus on Gilas Pilipinas Women – was not absent by choice.
He had national team duties.
On Tuesday afternoon, Aquino left the country along with Gilas 3×3 players BJ Villarin, Camille Nolasco, Ari Delos Santos, and Nicole Pring. They flew to Kuala Lumpur as they will compete in the 2022 FIBA U17 3×3 Asia Cup.
Their campaign begins on Thursday in the qualifying draw. They take on Hong Kong and Thailand for the right to advance to the main draw.
Current NU head coach Aris Dimaunahan made sure to pay tribute to Aquino after their romp of University of the Philippines.
“This game is an honor dun sa mga unang naglaro sa amin, most especially to the one who started this streak – to the architect of this streak – which is my kumpare, coach Pat Aquino,” said Dimaunahan.
“I know, you will all agree with me that he’s the best women’s basketball coach in the country. And this win is for him.”
Definitely – despite being 2,465 km away, Aquino, who accounted for 96 of NU’s wins, is celebrating another triumph of his program.
