UP has yet to decide on Rey Madrid’s future

MANILA, Philippines – Despite reports saying he’s on his way out, University of the Philippines has yet to make a decision on the future of current UP Fighting Maroons head coach Rey Madrid, who’s under contract for a few more months. 

UP, which went 1-13 during the UAAP Season 77 men’s basketball tournament, has won only 10 out of 112 games over the past eight years, prompting recently-hired team manager Dan Palami to call for a “top to bottom” revamp of the team during a recent session with the media.

Palami, who’s also the team manager of the Philippine Azkals, said that he wants the head coaching spot Madrid holds to be virtually vacated, giving way for an evaluation of the job and the entire Fighting Maroons program as a whole.

But as of this moment, Madrid is still the head coach of University of the Philippines’ basketball team.

“We’re not committing any statement yet,” UP College of Human Kinetics Dean and UAAP Board representative Ronnie Dizer told Rappler early Tuesday, October 21. “Hindi kami nagmamadali.” (We’re not in a rush).

“Coach Rey’s contract is until December,” he said.

After the UP Maroons lost their season-closing game to the Adamson Soaring Falcons a few weeks ago, Madrid told the media that a “drastic overhaul” was imminent for UP’s playing lineup, who for years now has been the cellar dweller of the UAAP men’s basketball tourney.

But Madrid may end up being the first one taken out of the program, depending on the results of UP’s consultation with its community.

“We will consult. We will even consult the different sectors of the community before we come up with the community decision,” Dizer said. “The decision will be after the consultation.”

Dizer said that Madrid is aware of this situation.

“What I told him is that consultation will be conducted, but as of now his contract is still recognized.”

Dizer didn’t give a specific time when UP would come out with a final decision, but said that “If ever [the] announcement will be earlier than December, it will pave the way for a smooth transition.” 

“But we have not reached that plan yet,” he mentioned.

“Wala pa kaming decision on the matter,” he said again, clarifying that Madrid is still currently UP’s head coach. “We’re taking our time.”

– Rappler.com