Legendary Filipino basketball coach Aric Del Rosario passes away at 80

Legendary Filipino basketball head coach Aric Del Rosario, architect of the UST dynasty in the 1990s, has died due to cardiac arrest. He was 80 years old.

Del Rosario’s colleagues announced the sad news as confirmed by his family on Thursday afternoon, March 26, 2020.

The veteran mentor steered the UST Growling Tigers to a 4-peat dynasty in the UAAP during the 1990s, with players like Dennis Espino and Chris Cantonjos leading the charge.

He also led the Perpetual Help Altas to 3 Final Four appearances when he handled the team from 2012 to 2015 in the NCAA.

Del Rosario was also head coach of the 2003 Southeast Asian Games basketball team.

He also led the Pampanga Dragons to the 1998 MBA title.

The much-decorated bench tactician is remembered fondly by players he handled by being a father figure and a life mentor.

To his colleagues, Del Rosario’s coaching legacy will forever live on. As they say, it’s “Aric Magic.”