HOOPS

Altamirano oozing with confidence

Ivan Suing · Sep 11, 2026, 5:50 AM

HEAD coach Eric Altamirano (middle) believes the UP women’s team is right on track as it builds up for Season 89 of the UAAP. Assisting in the coaching duties are his son Anton Altamirano (left) and assistant Mikka Cacho. — PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF UP-OASD

New University of the Philippines (UP) women’s basketball head coach Eric Altamirano is wasting no time putting his stamp on the Fighting Maroons as Season 89 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) approaches.

Only a few months into his stint, Altamirano said the team has responded positively to his system and made significant strides during its preparations for the new season.

“It’s been very smooth,” Altamirano said in an episode of “Off The Court,” the weekly online sports show of DAILY TRIBUNE.

“Although, of course, compared to the preparations of the other teams, we started a bit late. But I’m really happy with our preparations, including the practices and games prior to the start of the UAAP.”

Altamirano admitted that changing a team’s system takes time, but he has already seen encouraging progress from his players, particularly as new faces adjust to their roles.

The former UP standout, who guided National University to the UAAP men’s basketball title in 2014, said the Fighting Maroons have embraced the changes.

“From what I see, they’re very enthusiastic and very receptive,” Altamirano said.

“Because I can see that every day that we practice, until now, the team has improved a lot. Especially, we have new players. I can see that they are starting to gel as a team and learn how to play with each other.”

Louna Ozar, Kaye Pesquera, Camille Nolasco and Alexandra Mendoza are among the returning players expected to provide leadership for the squad.

The program will also benefit from players gaining experience on the international stage.

Newcomer Kennan Ka is set to represent the Philippines in 3x3 basketball at the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, giving her an opportunity to compete against some of Asia’s best.

Altamirano believes the experience will be valuable as Ka adjusts to the demands of playing at the international level.

“It will be very good for Kennan to experience playing for the national team. It’s always an honor to play for your country,” Altamirano said.