By NIKOLE JAVIER
Dennis "Denok" Miranda has been named as head coach of the Far Eastern University following Olsen Racela’s departure last December, the school announced on Wednesday morning, Jan. 18.
The 40-year-old former Tamaraw guard and assistant coach will be taking the coaching reign in this year's UAAP Season 86.
“Far Eastern University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dennis 'Denok' Miranda as the new head coach of the FEU Tamaraws Men's Basketball Team,” wrote the post.
Miranda is looking at a team that ended its eight-year Final Four appearance — the most in league history by any team.
Last year, FEU had a disappointing season after finishing seventh in the standings which started with a telling five losses in a row.
"Denok brings with him over 12 years of playing experience in the PBA and is a two-time UAAP champion. He has also been a head coach in the MPBL and has been an assistant coach for the Tamaraws since 2018,” the post added.
Another FEU legend in Johnny Abarrientos will be involved in the coaching duties as a team consultant when the Tamaraws attempt to return to the Final Four. The team is also reportedly looking to the services of former UAAP and PBA star Marc Pingris.
Olsen previously led FEU to four semifinal appearances in his five-year stint.
The roster's core, though, remained intact as LJay Gonzales, Patrick Sleat, Xyrus Torres and Cholo Anonuevo will continue to see action for the winningest team in the league.
Meanwhile, former PBA coach Topex Robinson has decided to take his coaching wits over at the UAAP as he calls the shot for the De La Salle Green Archers, according to a reliable source.
The 48-year-old Robinson, who started his coaching career in 2011, has parted ways with the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters after five years, the team said in a statement less than two weeks before the Governors’ Cup kicked off last Jan. 12.
Robinson led the Fuelmasters to a sixth-place finish in his final stint with the squad in the recently concluded Commissioner’s Cup.