Getting ready for the challenge of handling their respective teams as rookie UAAP coaches are Ricky Dandan of University of the Philippines and Eric Altamirano of National University.

Dandan, who assumed his new job as UP tactician last Nov. 28, has started conducting tryouts for new members of the UP Maroons.

According to UP College of Human Kinetics Dean Leilani Gonzalo, Dandan has until Jan. 24 to form a tentative roster when they play against a visiting squad from Korea, the Tusan National University quintet.

Altamirano, meanwhile, has been conducting scrimmages for the Bulldogs since last October, but officially assumed the job as head coach at the NU at the start of the year, according to NU athletics director Junel Baculi.

Dandan used be the assistant coach of Joe Lipa for the Ateneo Blue Eagles in 2002. He took over the job left by Boyet Fernandez, who handled the Maroons midway in the 73rd season when Aboy Castro quit after two games.

Dandan’s task is to steer the Maroons to a better finish, after the State University hit rock bottom with a 0-14 card last season, one of its worst performances in years.

Dandan will have as assistants Rey Madrid, Joey Mendoza, Jojo Villa and Duane Salvaterra.

Peter Atencio

The new NU roster, meanwhile, will be built around Nigerian Michael Mbe, and upcoming stars Kyle Neypes and Cedric Labing-Isa.

“Yes, this will be a continuation for Eric,” said Baculi.

Altamirano, a former UP Maroon, was supposed to take over as NU coach as early last year, but had to complete a three-year commitment with the national 18-under boys’ team and had to give way to Eric Gonzales.

He formally accepted the job with the Bulldogs after his contract with the national team officially ended in December.

Peter Atencio, Manila Standard Today