Seasoned Mentor Altamirano Open to College Basketball Return
The name Eric Altamirano resonates with basketball excellence in the Philippines. A former player who became one of the more accomplished coaches in the nation, the Davao City native has been away from college basketball sidelines for almost a decade.
Yet, his passion for the game and his desire to mold young players remain as strong as ever. In an exclusive interview with ALL-STAR Magazine, the former PBA and collegiate champion expressed his openness to returning to college basketball – if the right opportunity arises.
A Proven Track Record of Success
The 58-year-old’s coaching resume speaks volumes. He led the National University Bulldogs to their first UAAP men’s basketball championship in 60 years in 2014, showcasing his ability to transform teams into title contenders. In his lone season coaching the UP Fighting Maroons in 1996, he led the varsity program to a 9-5 finish, advancing to the Final Four.
In his seven seasons coaching in the UAAP, Altamirano only had two losing campaigns (6-8 in 2011 and 5-9 in 2016).
His understanding of the game and mentorship style has also left an indelible mark in the PBA, where he coached Purefoods, Mobiline, and Coca-Cola. Moreover, his ongoing role as project director for the National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) has kept him close to the development of young basketball talent in the Philippines and abroad.
Open to Opportunities
“Of course, I’ll always love to coach in college. There’s always the challenge there,” Altamirano shared when asked about the prospect of returning to the collegiate ranks. “It will all depend on the opportunity that presents itself – if it’s really the ideal one for me, or even the right fit for me.”
One potential landing spot is the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors, who are currently searching for a new head coach. UE, one of the most storied programs in the UAAP, has struggled to regain its former glory in recent years. They have the league’s current longest Final Four drought, failing to make the semifinals in the last 16 years.
Altamirano sees promise in their current roster, stating, “From what I saw last season, I think they have a good group of guys that I think will compete. Probably it would just need a little bit of adjustments and reinforcements also, but of course in the UAAP, we all know how competitive the other schools are right now.”
A Strategic Advantage in Recruitment
Altamirano’s role with the NBTC positions him as a potential recruiting powerhouse. By overseeing the premier high school basketball program in the Philippines, he has unparalleled access to emerging talent. “I’m pretty much in the radar for really good players,” he remarked, hinting at how his network and insights could bolster any college program he joins. With the UAAP’s increasing emphasis on recruitment wars, this advantage could be a game-changer for a rebuilding team like UE.
Despite his years away from the college coaching spotlight, Altamirano remains deeply passionate about mentoring young athletes. “Of course, of course. I miss the challenge, I miss really molding these young kids to become not only good players but good people as well.”
A Natural Fit for UE?
As UE begins its search for a new leader, Altamirano’s combination of championship experience, recruitment acumen, and passion for mentorship makes him a compelling candidate. The Red Warriors are at a crossroads, seeking a coach who can bring stability and competitiveness to the program. Whether Altamirano decides to take on this challenge, assuming the post is offered to him, will depend on whether UE aligns with his criteria for the “right fit.”
For now, Altamirano’s potential return adds an intriguing layer to the ever-competitive landscape of UAAP basketball.