Alaska hires Altamirano, Ildefonso as new coaches

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

After losing key deputies in the offseason, Alaska has enlisted the services of Eric Altamirano, Danny Ildefonso, and Tony dela Cruz to assist coach Alex Compton this upcoming season.

“I am really excited about the new coaches we have added to our coaching staff,” said Compton, who lost deputies Louie Alas and Topex Robinson to Phoenix.

Compton will be renewing his partnership with Altamirano, both of whom formed the grassroots program National Basketball Training Center (NBTC).

“Coach Eric Altamirano is a proven winner at every single level he has coached at including the PBA. Alaska gets a veteran coach with tremendous experience and character in Coach Eric, truly a man of excellence,” he said of the seasoned mentor, who last called the shots for Flying V Thunder in the PBA D-League.

Ildefonso, meanwhile, boasts a decorated career being a two-time PBA MVP with San Miguel, before finishing his career with Meralco.

He is currently serving as a big man coach for the NU Bulldogs under coach Jamike Jarin.

“Danny Ildefonso is both one of the best players and best men to ever have played in the PBA. He has always had a tremendous work ethic and has detailed knowledge on how to play the game as a big man. He will surely have a tremendous impact on the development of our big men,” said Compton.

Rounding out the new hires for Alaska is Tony dela Cruz, who has now shifted to the coaching after retiring last month.

“Tony Dela Cruz has always been one of the smartest players in the PBA and he knows the ins and outs of our system as well as any of our coaches. He is an excellent communicator who has a great relationship with everyone on the team and he will make a very smooth transition into coaching,” he said.