PBA D-LEAGUE CAMPAIGN. Wang’s Ballclub coach Loreto “Ato” Tolentino (2nd from right) discusses the team’s upcoming campaign in the PBA D-League during the 42nd “Usapang Sports” of the Tabloids Organization in Philippine Sports (TOPS) at the National Press Club in Intramuros, Manila Thursday (Oct. 3, 2019). Tolentino is hoping to bring back the winning ways of Wang’s Ballclub not only in the PBA D-League but other basketball tournaments. (Photo courtesy of TOPS)
MANILA -- Multi-titled Wang’s Ballclub can rediscover its winning ways in the coming PBA D-League and other major basketball competitions.
With veteran coach Loreto “Ato” Tolentino now back at the helm, there’s no reason Wang’s Ballclub can’t do it again.
Tolentino, nicknamed “Mr. Hotshot” during his playing days in the PBA, was reappointed as head coach of the Mandaluyong-based team now eager to reclaim its billing as one of the country’s leading club teams.
Tolentino took the place of Pablo Lucas, who was recently “banned for life in the National Basketball League (NBL).”
“Naniniwala naman ako sa kakayahan ng team, sa pamumuno ni team owner-manager Alex Wang. Kung suswertithin, baka mag-champion din tayo sa PBA D-League (I will believe in the capability of the team under team owner-manager Alex Wang. If we’re lucky enough, we might win title in PBA D-League),” said Tolentino during his appearance in the 42nd “Usapang Sports” of the Tabloids Organization in Philippine Sports (TOPS) at the National Press Club in Intramuros, Manila last Thursday.
“We’ll just form a new but competitive Wang’s Ballclub. We’ll practice hard every day and play hard always,” added Tolentino, who rose to prominence when he steered Philippine Christian University (PCU) to its only NCAA title against the University of Perpetual Help in 2004.
He expects Wang’s Ballclub to bounce back from a mediocre campaign in the PBA D-League.
Tolentino, now 72, assured sportswriters that he can strengthen Wang’s Ballclub with the addition of select players from PCU.
“Madami kaming magagaling, masisipag na players sa PCU. Batak na ang mga ito sa laban kaya siguradong malaki ang maitutulong sa Wang’s (We have good, hardworking players from PCU. They are battle-tested and will definitely help Wang’s team),” explained Tolentino.
To this day, Tolentino holds the record as one of the most successful collegiate coaches.
Aside from being responsible for PCU’s only NCAA championship in 2004, Tolentino also piloted the University of Manila to five straight NAASCU crowns from 2001 to 2005
Tolentino was the only coach in history to win two titles in two different leagues on the same year for PCU (NCAA) and UM (NAASCU) in 2004.
Tolentino’s improbable 86 straight wins in the NAASCU also stands as an all-time record which remains unequalled in any other collegiate leagues, such as the UAAP and NCAA.
The Lubao, Pampanga native also led the UM Hawks to three national inter-collegiate championships and one Asian University Games title.
Before becoming a champion coach, Tolentino was an outstanding player when the PBA started in 1975. He was one of the highest-paid players during his time while averaging 15.7 points in 123 games with Great Taste Coffee from 1975 to 1979.
As a sophomore pro in 1976, Tolentino averaged a whopping 26.9 points in 30 games at a time when there were still no three-point shots in the league.
Tolentino also once played for the Philippine team at the Pesta Sukan Games in Singapore, along with Sonny Reyes and Tembong Melencio.
After sustaining a torn cartilage in his left knee that forced his retirement in the PBA in 1980, Tolentino took the coaching job at his alma mater, UM.
Among the notable PBA players who learned the game under Tolentino are Paul “Mr. Excitement” Alvarez, Nelson “The Bull” Asaytono, Jun Limpot, Eugene Quilban, Joseph Pelaez, Biboy Simon, Banjo Calpito, Cris Bolado, Joel “El Aparador” Dualan, Leo Avenido, Reynel Hugnatan, Beau Belga and Jason “The Blur” Castro.
Tolentino was accompanied in the weekly sports forum sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission, National Press Club, Pagcor, Community Basketball Association and HG Guyabano Tea Leaf Drinks by PCU assistant coach Darryl Fontanilla. (PR)
