By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
After six long years, the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws men’s basketball team will have a new chief tactician this upcoming UAAP season.
Set to replace PBA legend Olsen Racela is Dennis “Denok” Miranda, one of the finest products of the Tamaraws’ hoops program during the early 2000s.
The development was confirmed after the prestigious school publicly announced Miranda’s designation as the Tamaraws’ newest head coach.
“Known as an elite defender and leader during his time, Coach Denok is expected to instill a defensive and winning mentality with the team,” FEU wrote in their statement.
From a run-and-gun approach coach Racela designed as FEU’s bread and butter throughout the years, Miranda will be looking to improve their defensive schemes and transform them into a more reliable two-way squad.
Miranda is left with plenty of talent in the program as Ilonggo star John Bryan Sajonia, LJay Gonzales, Xyrus Torres, and Cholo Anonuevo still had remaining playing years for FEU.
The Tamaraws were close to punching another UAAP Final Four ticket but a series of defeats in the last round saw their playoff hopes come to an end.
FEU’s last season under coach Racela was a disappointing one after finishing with a win-loss record of 5-9.
On the other hand, Miranda is aiming to revamp the team and build its identity again as one of the top schools participating in the UAAP.
The former crafty point guard was known for his smarts inside the PBA hardwood and rendered his services for several franchises including Coca-Cola, TNT, San Miguel, and Sta. Lucia.
Backstopping Miranda in the school’s basketball program is another PBA icon Johnny Abarrientos who will be serving as the team’s consultant.
