MANILA, Aug. 18 (PNA) — The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) on Thursday expressed sadness over the passing of Coach Virgilio “Baby” Dalupan at the age of 92.
“We in SBP deeply mourn the passing of Coach Baby Dalupan. He was the most multi-titled coach in elite Philippine basketball -– combining his collegiate, commercial, PBA and national team stints into 52 championships,” the SBP in a press statement.
“He likewise served flag and country when he coached the national team five times in various international tournaments, including the 1959 FIBA World Championship and the 1970 Asian Games.”
It further stated that the SBP will miss Coach Baby “but will fondly keep him in our hearts and minds, always remembering his immeasurable contribution toPhilippine Basketball.”
For his coaching wizardry, the sports media aptly gave him the moniker, “THE MAESTRO”.
Coach Dalupan had a 16-year stint in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), highlighted with a record-high 52 basketball championships. He was best known for his sterling coaching job with the Crispa Redmanizers.
Dalupan held the record for winning the most number of UAAP men’s basketball championship titles — 12 as coach of the University of the East Red Warriors. The UAAP is the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.
