‘Farewell, Tatay Aric’: PH basketball mourns Del Rosario’s passing

Beatrice Go

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‘Farewell, Tatay Aric’: PH basketball mourns Del Rosario’s passing
Philippine basketball personalities pay tribute to legendary coach Aric del Rosario

MANILA, Philippines – Even as he stayed low-key for most of his coaching career, Aric del Rosario had already cemented himself as one of the legends of Philippine basketball.  (READ: Legendary UST basketball coach Aric del Rosario dies)

In the collegiate scene, Del Rosario led the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers to their first 14-0 sweep in 1993, an incredible run that kicked off a four-peat UAAP title romp until 1996. 

Known as “Tatay Aric” in the local basketball community, he helped shape many young careers in UST from 1992 to 2003 and touched more lives in his stints in the PBA and the national team. (READ: Tim Cone crushed by Aric del Rosario death: ‘He always kept me grounded’)

Former Phoenix Fuel Masters coach Ariel Vanguardia considers Del Rosario a mentor, father and roommate when they were both assistant coaches in Talk ‘N Text. 

Former Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes remembers Del Rosario as a selfless man after spending time together as deputies to Tim Cone in the national team. 

In 1998, Cone together with Del Rosario and Reyes, steered the Philippine Centennial team to an Asian Games bronze. 

Former Gilas stalwart Jimmy Alapag recalls that Del Rosario, who guided him at the start of his PBA career, was fond of hugging his players and colleagues. 

Veteran sports broadcaster Sev Sarmenta also shares his experience on how Del Rosario would spot the smallest details during trainings and how generous he was to others. 

Former PBA commissioner Noli Eala remembers Del Rosario for being soft spoken and gentle off court. 

“My sincerest condolences to the family of coach Aric del Rosario. He was one of the gentlest and most soft spoken mentors I have ever known. RIP Coach. You will never be forgotten,” tweeted Eala. 

UAAP executive director Rebo Saguisag shares he started tuning in to collegiate basketball action during Del Rosario’s career prime in UST. 


A statement from UST highlights how Del Rosario was a lifer with the España-based squad as he started out as a basketball player in the 1960s before shifting to coaching. 

The MPBL, where the late UST legend ended his decorated coaching career and served as the first coach of the Parañaque Patriots, calls him a “revered figure”  who had “his fingerprints in the careers of his former players.”

– Rappler.com 

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Beatrice Go

More commonly known as Bee, Beatrice Go is a multimedia sports reporter for Rappler, who covers Philippine sports governance, national teams, football, and the UAAP. Stay tuned for her news and features on Philippine sports and videos like the Rappler Athlete’s Corner and Rappler Sports Timeout.