Legendary coach Aric del Rosario, 80, passes away

University of Santo Tomas’ Facebook post sending prayers for Aric del Rosario.

MANILA, Philippines—Iconic basketball coach Aric del Rosario passed away Thursday, his family members said. He was 80-years-old.

Friends and colleagues have already sent out their prayers and condolences on social media including Pido Jarencio, Charlie Dy, and Chot Reyes.

Del Rosario is best remembered for leading the University of Santo Tomas, where he was a star player in college in the 1960s, to four straight UAAP basketball titles from 1993 to 1996.

He also led the Philippines to the gold medal in the 2003 Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Del Rosario also steered the Pampanga Dragons to the first Metropolitan Basketball Association and last served as a mentor for the University of Perpetual Help Altas in the NCAA.