On a humid afternoon at Ayala Malls Manila Bay, it wasn’t just the on-court battle in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s 3×3 Basketball Tournament that drew attention — it was the familiar figure in maroon quietly pacing the sidelines, intently watching every possession.
Former De La Salle University center Yutien Andrada had traded his Green-and-White roots for a new role, this time supporting the University of the Philippines Women’s 3×3 program from the bench as the Fighting Maroons eked out a 20-15 win over the Lady Falcons on May 2 — a result that kept their slim Final Four hopes alive.
For those who followed his playing days in UAAP Seasons 72 to 77, Andrada’s presence on the sidelines offered a different kind of familiarity. Once known as a steady interior force — a reliable rebounder and defender who anchored La Salle’s frontcourt — he now finds himself guiding players rather than battling in the paint.
True to form, however, Andrada downplayed his role in the victory, quickly pointing to the structure already in place under the program.
“Si Coach Mikka Cacho talaga yung head coach ng UAAP 3×3,” explained the Quezon City resident. “Dahil nagsabay yung Asian Beach Games at yung UAAP 3×3—so, since nasa women’s team naman ako, ako yung parang in-charge muna dahil wala siya.
“Actually, same system naman yung pinapagawa ko sa pinapagawa ni Coach Mikka; ako lang yung parang nagsu-supervise ng mga gagawin ng team.”
Coaching, however, was never part of his original plan. That changed abruptly last year after a medical emergency — an aneurysm near his heart — forced him to step away from playing, sidelining him for nearly a month beginning in late October and ultimately ending his professional career.
Four months later, Andrada resurfaced in a different capacity, joining Coach Eric Altamirano’s revamped staff for the UP women’s basketball program as a specialized frontcourt coach.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Noong time ko sa 3×3, ang naging coach ko ay sina Coach Eric at Coach Anton Altamirano. So, nag-ano sila kung gusto kong pumasok into coaching. First time ko ito into coaching, so may mga adjustments,” he explained.
“Nagulat lang din ako na napunta ako dito sa coaching. Hindi ko talaga ini-expect. After talaga nangyari yung sa akin sa health ko, sabi rin ng family ko na i-try ko—mag-coach na daw ako kasi matagal na rin ako nakapaglaro ng basketball,” Andrada continued.
“Siyempre, iba siya. Siyempre, kasi yung adjustment ko ay kung paano ko ituturo sa kanila para maintindihan nila yung gusto kong i-instill sa kanila sa basketball. Siyempre, tagal ko rin naglaro sa basketball; yung adjustment ay paano ko mapapaintindi sa kanila yung gusto kong ipagawa.”
As he adjusts to life on the other side of the whistle, Andrada acknowledges that playing success does not automatically translate into coaching expertise. Still, the transition has been made smoother by familiar faces along the way, including former teammate LA Revilla.
“Masaya kasi nga dati kong teammate sa college, tapos first entry ko into coaching pa. At first, kinakabahan ako. Nung nakita ko na si Coach LA na part rin siya ng UP Women’s, parang gumaan yung pakiramdam ko kasi nandito yung former teammate ko. Siguro marami rin akong matututunan sa kanya,” said the retired PBA center.
The sense of familiarity extended beyond Revilla.
Andrada also crossed paths with fellow Green Archers alumni Joshua Webb and Hyram Bagatsing, who were on the sidelines with De La Salle Zobel — along with former La Salle playmaker Thomas Torres — reinforcing the tight-knit nature of Philippine basketball circles.
“Actually, nung Day One pa nagsimula itong UAAP 3×3, nakita ko na sila, pati si Thomas Torres,” he said.
Before his unexpected shift into coaching, Andrada had already built a decorated amateur résumé. He was a key figure for the San Sebastian Staglets during their dominant run in the NCAA juniors division. While a UAAP championship eluded him — with La Salle capturing the Season 76 crown during his injury absence — he still completed his degree in History.
In many ways, that academic background now mirrors his second act in basketball: a new chapter built on reflection, experience, and renewal. After surviving a life-threatening health scare, Andrada has returned to the game that shaped him — this time not as a player, but as a mentor tasked with shaping the next generation.
“Siguro baka ganun talaga ang mga players. Siyempre, kung sobrang love mo ang basketball, gusto mo pa rin maging part ng kung anuman—tulad ng coaching. Siyempre, kinalakihan ko to play basketball, so at least nandun pa rin ako sa circle ng basketball.”
