UP Renames Basketball School to Honor Late Coach Dandan

The University of the Philippines has renamed its official grassroots basketball program in tribute to the late coach Ricky Dandan, a longtime figure in the UP basketball community.

Previously known as the Fighting Maroons Basketball School, the program will now be called the Ricky Dandan-Fighting Maroons Basketball School. Dandan, who passed away late last year, was the driving force behind the program’s launch in 2023. Aimed at boys and girls aged 6 to 17, the school focuses on developing young talent while promoting the values of discipline, teamwork, and the UP Fighting Maroons spirit.

“Coach Ricky had a huge hand in the rise of our Men’s Basketball Team,” said Bo Perasol, Director of the Office of Athletics and Sports Development. “Even after we passed the coaching to Coach Gold [Monteverde], he remained a big part of UP sports through this basketball school. This is just one way to make sure he won’t be forgotten.”

The first module of the renamed training camp runs from June 9 to 14, followed by a second from June 30 to July 5. Both sessions will be held at the UP Community Court in Diliman. Registration is now open online at https://tinyurl.com/4x3e6ny9. Each week-long module costs PHP 4,000 and will be conducted by qualified coaches.