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Madrid's former UP players wish him all the best

After 20 years, Rey Madrid is set to call the shots anew for University of the Philippines when the Fighting Maroons take on the De La Salle Green Archers on Saturday in the resumption of UAAP Season 76 men’s cage action at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

A former Fighting Maroon who played alongside pro league greats Benjie Paras and Ronnie Magsanoc in the team that delivered the men’s cage title in 1986, Madrid clearly has his work cut out for him this time, with the Diliman-based squad raring to snap an eight-game slide and get its first victory this season.

An architecture degree holder and also an owner of a highly-successful architecture firm, Madrid also served as one of UP’s team managers before taking the post–vacated by Ricky Dandan who tendered his resignation last Monday–on an interim basis.

Madrid previously handled the Fighting Maroons from 1989 to 1993, highlighted by a fourth-placed finish with an 8-6 record right on his first year at the helm.

Three of his former players who went on to become coaches themselves - Ryan Gregorio, Bo Perasol and Patrick Aquino - were happy for their former mentor, even as they acknowledged the difficult situation awaiting him in Diliman.

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"I played for Rey Madrid in college," Gregorio said in a lengthy text message to Yahoo! Philippines. "His basketball knowledge was above average. However, he was very young and a bit impatient then. He was emotional and temperamental. I am certain that at this time in his life and with more patience and understanding, he will be a more effective coach.

"He actually paved the way for my venture into the basketball world. His ability to impart his basketball wisdom became an inspiration to us–his players who would eventually become future coaches. My former teammates Bo Perasol, Patrick Antonio, Mon Garcia, Lito Vergara, Paul Du, and Poch Juinio have taken the same route. As for me, Coach Rey was part of my chosen influencers," said Gregorio, the current mentor of the Meralco Bolts.

Perasol, who now handles reigning five-time titlist Ateneo, said Madrid wasn't afraid to experiment. “He (Madrid) is very technically sound and an innovator as a coach then. Hindi pa uso ‘yung pag-e-eksperimento pagdating sa mga depensa lalo sa zone (defense) pero ginagawa na niya sa’min. He also has a friendly approach to his players. Parang kaibigan niya kami itrato. Halos lahat na itinuturo ko bilang coach, nanggaling rin sa mga natutunan ko sa kanya,” he said.

For his part, Aquino, currently the mentor of National U’s women’s cage squad, likened Madrid to legendary coach Joe Lipa, who handled the Fighting Maroons in three separate stints in the last three decades.

“He’s a very intense coach. He made us realize our roles on the team. He’s a good motivator. Nailabas niya kasi ‘yung mga galing ng bawat isa sa team namin,” he stated.

With their alma mater headed for another disastrous finish, Gregorio, Perasol and Antonio were in one in heaping praises to Madrid for accepting the daunting challenge.

The trio, however, were also quick to point out it won’t be one easy task.

“His situation is not all ideal. Having to take over a team in the middle of the season is tantamount to coaching suicide. But I have to commend him for accepting the challenge to lead the team at this point and with all the drama on the side,” said Gregorio.

“I think UP needs someone like him right now,” stated Aquino. “Pero matagal na siyang nawala kaya baka hindi na siya nakapag-cope-up masyado sa coaching styles ngayon. But as a motivator, he is very good. If he has better knowledge about the aspects of the games, I’m sure he will be better this time.”

More than returning to a familiar role, it’s the sacrifice of Madrid to help bring back the winning tradition of UP that should be highly appreciated, according to Perasol.

“He’s already a very successful architect but his willingness and sacrifice to handle the team speaks volumes about him,” he said.

Ironically, two of the eight losses suffered by UP yet came at the hands of Ateneo, including a 59-67 decision last August 15.

Although he was “looking forward” for a “mentor against student” match-up against Madrid, Perasol was glad he’ll have to worry about it for next year. “Mabuti nga nalampasan ko na ang UP para hindi ko na maisip ‘yung ganun. Kung magkakaharap man kami ni coach Rey, malamang next year na,” he said, tongue-in-cheek.

Gregorio also reiterated his all-out backing to the Fighting Maroons.

“I support whatever direction UP wishes to take. At this point, being a UP alumnus and a former UP Maroon, I would like to be a positive voice in a rather negative situation that our alma mater is embroiled in,” he said. “My hope is that this is the right path.”

And so are all the Fighting Maroons–in heart and in mind.