FEU coach Denok Miranda. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIREr.net
MANILA, Philippines — Denok Miranda became the first coach to sweep Ateneo tactician Tab Baldwin in the UAAP men’s basketball elimination round since the latter started coaching in the league in 2016.
L-Jay Gonzales sank a “miracle” one-hand trey as FEU completed a Season 86 elimination round sweep of Ateneo, 62-59, on Wednesday, giving Miranda and the Tamaraws a rare feat as they became the first to win two games against the Baldwin-coached Blue Eagles in seven years.
Miranda, who used to be a player of Baldwin in TNT back in 2015, said that he learned a lot from the Kiwi-American coach from the PBA and a couple of tune-up games between FEU and Ateneo.
“Coach Tab and I had a good relationship when I was his player in Talk ’N Text. During the offseason, we also had a lot of tune-up games. I am so thankful to coach Tab because I learned a lot from him,” said Miranda in Filipino. “I asked permission from him to use his system as my blueprint.”
“We also have Ateneo’s kryptonite, coach Gabby [Severino]. He really helped the team,” he added.
Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Baldwin, a four-time UAAP champion coach, said all the FEU coaches and players through the years are tough, especially Miranda.
“We remember him as a player, a really tough guy as a player, and that same characteristic comes through in FEU,” the Ateneo coach said. “As he learns and develops tactical sensibility and experience. Obviously, he knows how to motivate, he knows how to drive his players to give more of themselves than their talent might indicate, and that’s a great sign for a coach. It’s praiseworthy.”
“I’m disappointed that I’m on the side that has to compliment him after another big win, but I acknowledge the fact that he’s doing a good job,” he added.
Miranda may have his mentor’s number this season so far, but he gave all the credit to his players, who stood their ground in the endgame to avoid a late-game collapse.
“Coach Tab is one of the best coaches in the UAAP. But the players gave a great effort. Hats off to them because they showed their will to win in this game. Hopefully, they will have the same mindset in our remaining games,” he said.
FEU, which improved to a 3-5 record, battles Adamson on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.