Former UP coach Ricky Dandan dies at 62

Metro Manila, Philippines — Former University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons head coach and player Ricky Dandan died at the age of 62 on Wednesday, the UP Office of Athletics and Sports Development (OASD) confirmed.

“After months of fighting renal cell cancer, our beloved Ricky played his last game gallantly and joined our Creator this Wednesday afternoon,” his wife, Annielu, said in a social media post.

Dandan played for the Fighting Maroons in the 1980s under legendary mentor Joe Lipa.

Dandan then served as the head coach of UP from 2011 to 2013, where the Diliman-based squad only had three wins in that period.

Dandan was part of Bo Perasol's coaching staff from UAAP Season 79 to 82, highlighted by a Fighting Maroons' finals appearance run in Season 81.

Perasol, the UP OASD director, led the tributes for his longtime friend.

"Rest in peace tol - a true and loyal friend," he wrote.

Dandan also coached the Columbian Dyip in the 2017-18 PBA season, compiling a 3-12 win-loss record.