Miranda triumphs as a head coach

Veteran guard Denok Miranda’s one-game stint as a player for Biñan City-Luxx White in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) turned out to be a dud early last month. The same could not be said with his entry as coach of the Laguna squad.

“I’m still getting used to it, but I’m pleased with the way the players have responded,” Miranda said after piloting the Heroes to a fifth straight victory with a 72-68 triumph over the Caloocan Supremos late Thursday night in the Chooks to Go MPBL Lakan Season at Bataan People’s Center in Balanga City.

Miranda, who went from player to head coach after one game last month following the exit of Alex Angeles, is making a positive impact on a Biñan team that has suddenly put itself in a strong position to make the playoffs in the South division.

Currently at ninth spot, Biñan holds a 10-13 record.

Miranda has related well with his players, staying patient through their rough patches.

The foul-plagued Kyle Neypes was the latest player to step up for Biñan, breaking the 68-all tie with 22 seconds left before icing the win with another undergoal stab with 1.1 ticks left.

“I’m just grateful to my teammates and coach Denok for trusting me in the game,” Neypes said in Filipino. INQ