Dandan makes a choice: Maroons over Dyip

Ricky Dandan. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Coach Ricky Dandan has taken his coaching skills to the biggest stage in local basketball, but there’s always an itch to go back to his roots.

On Tuesday, Dandan announced his decision to step down as head coach of the Columbian Dyip after they missed the trip to the quarterfinals of the ongoing Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup.

“I had to make a decision and sacrifice because the third conference will coincide with the UAAP,” said Dandan, who took over Chris Gavina early in the Philippine Cup. “It was a dilemma for me and I chose to help out full time in UP.”

Dandan will have a challenging role in helping out the UP Fighting Maroons, where he played for in 1981-85.

This forthcoming UAAP Season 81, he will focus as one of the assistants of head coach Bo Perasol.

Hopes are high that the Fighting Maroons can steal a spot in the Final Four this year with new acquisitions Nigerian Bright Akhuetie, Juan Gerardo Gomez de Liano and Will Gozum complementing veterans Paul Desiderio, Diego Dario and Felix Jaboneta.

Things are also rosy for State U next year when former La Salle star Ricci Paolo Rivero suits up for the Maroons after serving his one-year residency.

“We are still in the process of evaluation,” said Dandan. “We will play in the Filoil (Preseason Cup) playoffs on Thursday and we also have a pocket tournament in Iloilo.”

The Fighting Maroons will also have an overseas training camp in July before the coaching staff forms the final lineup.
UP first won a UAAP men’s basketball title as UP Manila in 1939-40. In 1986, a team led by Benjie Paras and Ronnie Magsanoc ruled the 49th season.