By Ernest Hernandez
Dennis "Denok" Miranda (MB file photo | Ali Vicoy)Denok Miranda is the newest assistant coach for Marinerong Pilipino although the veteran guard is not completely closing the doors of playing once again. The former Blackwater player mentions that certain circumstances may call for him to return and suit up for the team.
“I might play, I may not,” he said. “Hindi natin alam kung ano magiging sitwasyon naming kasi mahaba pa ang season.”
A lot will depend on the outcome of Marinero’s season and the health of their young guards.
“Siguro kapag natatalo kami, pwede ako maglaro. Or kung may injury mga guards, pwede ako, nag e-ensayo pa rin ako,” said Miranda.
Being the person that discovered Miranda, Marinerong Pilipino Head Coach Koy Banal knows the PBA veteran still has a lot left in the tank.
“Pwede, ensayado naman iyan eh. Actually, sila ang scouting team namin,” Banal acknowledging Miranda’s availability.
Aside from Denok, Banal shared that Mark Isip is also around practicing with the players. They could lace up and play for the team if needed.
“Si Mark at si Denok, naka-istambay lang iyan. Anytime na kakailanganin namin yung veteran leadership nila, anytime naman ready sila, nakikipag-ensayo sila,” he said.
At 35, Miranda confirmed that he tried out for the San Miguel Beermen after his contract expired with Blackwater. If a PBA team would require his services, Miranda is open to playing but only for a championship contender.
“Hindi natin masabi. Kung kailanganin. Siyempre kung babalik ako, doon sa champion team, like San Miguel,” he said.
Before he could sign anything with the Beermen, Miranda was called up by Banal to join the coaching staff. Paying gratitude to his former coach, he did not hesitate.
“Noong bago ako tawagin ni coach, nag-try out ako sa San Miguel. Then nag-decide ako na tulungan ko na si Coach,” he affirms.
In his last professional season, Miranda averaged 4 points and 1.9 assists while logging in 14 minutes of action per game.