When the UAAP Season 87 High School Boys’ Basketball Tournament tipped off last Sunday, a familiar figure at Far Eastern University-Diliman was notably absent from the sidelines.
Long-time Baby Tamaraws head coach Allan Albano was no longer calling the shots, instead watching from the bleachers of the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
In his place, FEU head of basketball operations Denok Miranda took on the role of head coach for the Baby Tamaraws.
For Albano, stepping away from the program he had led to two UAAP titles over the last nine years was heartbreaking.
“First and foremost, I never wanted to leave FEU. I graduated and played for FEU during my high school and college years, and dito nag-umpisa ang coaching career ko. I had hoped to finish my coaching career by helping FEU players,” Albano shared with Tiebreaker Times.
“But unfortunately, things happened, and I had to leave FEU with a heavy heart.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Albano was last seen assisting head coach Muriel Garcia during the Junior High School Boys’ Basketball Tournament last year.
However, toward the end of the tournament, he was no longer on the bench, sparking speculations about his departure.
It has since been confirmed that Albano and FEU have officially parted ways.
Albano’s tenure at FEU spanned many years, during which he not only led the boys’ team to two 5-on-5 championships but also guided the Lady Tamaraws to a UAAP title in Season 75.
From mentoring players like Allana Lim and Soc Borja to developing the next generation of talents such as L-Jay Gonzales and RJ Abarrientos, Albano played a pivotal role in their growth.
(C) UAAP Season 86 Media Team
“But still, I am grateful and thankful for my 17 years at FEU,” said Albano, who also served as an assistant coach under notable mentors like Nash and Olsen Racela, Miranda, and Sean Chambers.
Despite the heartbreak, Albano didn’t have to wait long to find a new opportunity.
Olsen Racela, now the head coach of University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, invited Albano to join his staff. Albano officially began his new journey in Las Piñas last Friday.
(C) Ryan Betia/Perpetual
“Isa sa mga nasabihan ko kaagad nung nawala na ako sa FEU ay si Coach O. I am lucky din naman na nagkaroon ng opening sa coaching staff ng Perps,” Albano said.
“Nai-offer sa akin yung position and ginrab ko naman na din agad.”
The Baby Tamaraws ended up beating defending champions Adamson Baby Falcons on that day.
And as he left the venue, Albano could not help but smile.
“I know they’re well-prepared and ready for the battle.”
