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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Collegiate devider Eric Altamirano comes back to Diliman, takes UP women's basketball coaching role

Eric Altamirano comes back to Diliman, takes UP women's basketball coaching role

Published Mar 4, 2026 12:47 pm

At A Glance

  • Eric Altamirano has returned to Diliman after accepting the role as the newest head coach for the University of the Philippines women's basketball team in the UAAP Season 89, the school announced Wednesday, March 4.
UP WBT assistant coach Anton Altamirano, head coach Eric Altamirano, assistant coach Mikka Cacho (UPOASD)
UP WBT assistant coach Anton Altamirano, head coach Eric Altamirano, assistant coach Mikka Cacho (UPOASD)
Eric Altamirano has returned to Diliman after accepting the role as the newest head coach for the University of the Philippines women’s basketball team in the UAAP Season 89, the school announced Wednesday, March 4.
Altamirano, 59, who was part of the Joe Lipa-mentored UP team that won the 1986 title alongside Benjie Paras and Ronnie Magsanoc, took the responsibility of trying to finally put the Fighting Maroons to greater heights on the distaff side.
For the one-time PBA and UAAP champion, it was a full-circle moment to lead his alma mater’s women’s basketball program which is now bannered by Gilas Pilipinas players in Camille Nolasco and Louna Ozar.
"I've come full circle. This is my way of giving back sa school that gave me the opportunity to start my playing career and coaching career," said Altamirano, who succeeded Paul Ramos who held the position for seven years.
"Of course, our long-term plan is to bring UP to the mountaintop. Pero for now, we have to continue taking these many steps to get there. For now, what we want is sustainable competitiveness,” he added.
After a 3-11, seventh-place finish in Season 88, Altamirano goes for a better outing this time and a Final Four spot as he works alongside assistants Jeff Perlas, Paolo Layug, Anton Altamirano, and Mikka Cacho, a seasoned Gilas Women cager.
Altamirano, a Southeast Asian and Asian Games podium finisher as member of the national team, marked his second coaching job for the State U since his first in the men’s squad way back in 1996, replacing his former mentor Lipa.
Prior and after that assignment and a five-year run in the PBA, the former 5-foot-11 guard had head coaching and assistant stints with Purefoods, Mobiline, Coca-Cola, San Miguel, Alaska and Philippine youth teams.
Altamirano was then named as chief tactician of National University in Season 77 where he ultimately guided the Bulldogs, once powered by Alfred Aroga and Troy Rosario, to a Finals victory over Far Eastern University that ended the school’s 60-year championship drought.
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