Ricky Dandan, former UP coach, passes away at 61

INQUIRER FILE– Former UP Fighting Maroons coach Ricky Dandan.

Ricky Dandan, former coach of the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, died on Wednesday. He was 61.

Bo Perasol, another former UP coach and now basketball team program director, shared news of Dandan’s passing.

“Rest In Peace, Tol- A true and loyal friend Coach Ricky Dandan,” posted Perasol on his Facebook account.

Dandan and Perasol were longtime friends and colleagues, serving in the same coaching staff in different teams for many years.

His former players took to social media to post tributes about Dandan.

“Salamat sa #LabanUP ✊, coach Ricky Dandan. We will continue to #UPFight ✊ to the finish, just like you always taught us,” UP Office for Athletics posted.

Salamat sa #LabanUP ✊, coach Ricky Dandan.

We will continue to #UPFight ✊ to the finish, just like you always taught us. pic.twitter.com/cPArOr9yL2

— UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development (@oasdup) November 13, 2024

“Thank you for the tough love, Coach Ricky Dandan! Wouldn’t be where I am without you. RIP,” said Diego Dario.

“RIP Coach Ricky Dandan Maraming Salamat sa pagkakataong maging Coach kita at sa lahat ng life lessons na itinuro mo sa akin.. love you coach!” posted former UP big man Magi Sison.

“Wala ata akong mahahanap na picture natin, kasi mostly nagsisigawan at nagaaway tayo. Mahal kita, coach. Ricky Dandan,” Mikee Reyes said.

Dandan, who played for the Maroons in the 1980s, served as the head coach in the UAAP from 2011 to 2013 and resigned midway through UAAP Season 76.

He also briefly served as head mentor for Columbian Dyip (now Terrafirma) in the PBA before focusing on his coaching staff duties for Perasol in UP in 2018.

Dandan also coached for Bataan Risers in the MPBL.