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Tag: Sandy Arespacochaga

  • Sandy Arespacochaga appeals for compassion as grieving Ateneo players face threats after tragedy 

    Sandy Arespacochaga appeals for compassion as grieving Ateneo players face threats after tragedy 

    As Ateneo continues to mourn the loss of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, another burden has emerged for the Blue Eagles to carry.

    Former Ateneo assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga disclosed on Wednesday that some members of the team have been receiving threats in the aftermath of the tragedy that claimed the lives of the two student-athletes during a training camp in Dipaculao, Aurora.

     

    For Arespacochaga, the situation has become even more painful as players who are already grappling with grief and trauma are now being forced to deal with outside pressure while investigations into the incident remain ongoing.

     

    “It doesn’t help na with all of what’s happening na crazy. Wag naman po sana. Tigilan niyo naman sana. Wag na kayong mag-te-threat sa mga players. Doesn’t help the situation,” Arespacochaga told reporters following TNT’s 106-98 victory over Barangay Ginebra in Game 4 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals.

     

    The veteran coach declined to provide specifics regarding the threats but emphasized that speculation and misinformation have only complicated an already heartbreaking situation for everyone involved.

     

    “And I think a lot of people are confused about the information going around. We can’t deny that. Hopefully, medyo may light na with what happened. It’s tragic. No way to describe it,” he added.

    Authorities have since classified the incident as an accident after reports indicated that Baterbonia and Adili were swept away by strong currents while swimming.

     

    Yet even as official investigations continue, Arespacochaga believes clarity remains crucial—not only for the public but for the families searching for answers.

     

    Earlier in the day, he accompanied several members of the Ateneo community to Baterbonia’s wake at Arlington Memorial Chapel in Quezon City. Ateneo athletic director Em Fernandez, along with assistant coaches Louie Alas, Dean Castano, Alton Lister, Nico Salva, and RJ Jazul, were also present.

     

    According to Arespacochaga, the visit carried a deeper purpose beyond paying respects.

     

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    Many of the players wanted to personally speak with Baterbonia’s family, share what they knew about the events in Aurora, and grieve together during an unimaginably difficult time.

     

    “It was very hard, of course,” said Arespacochaga.

     

    “(They) got back yesterday but they really wanted to visit and at least get to talk to [Baterbonia’s] mom and dad and grieve. Medyo mabigat and all. Mahirap din with everything that is happening. The players, medyo traumatize pa at lahat and everything. It’s really hard.”

     

    “Hopefully, nakausap nung a couple of our players ‘yung parents to shed some light on the situation and I think, very important, give them a chance to really grieve then for Rene and vice versa, ‘yung family,” he added.

     

    Although no longer officially part of Ateneo’s coaching staff after taking over the Gilas Pilipinas Women U18 program, Arespacochaga admitted the tragedy remains deeply personal.

     

    He coached Adili during UAAP Season 88 and had also been looking forward to seeing Baterbonia begin his collegiate career with the Blue Eagles.

     

    “I’m helping out in any way I can because I was a part and even though officially, I’m not part, in title, these are my fellow coaches, these are my players. Divine is my player. Si Rene is a player of Ateneo de Davao, and supposed to be a player for Ateneo de Manila. It doesn’t make me any better. I’m devastated,” said Arespacochaga.


    In the midst of the grief, he urged patience as various probes and fact-finding efforts seek to establish a complete account of what happened.

     

    “I think may mga probes or fact-finding para at least talagang ma-verify what really happened and to shed light. I think the right information is really important,” said Arespacochaga.

     

    For now, the focus remains on supporting a devastated team and two grieving families—while hoping the search for answers is allowed to proceed without adding further pain to those already carrying the weight of loss.

     

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  • Sandy Arespacochaga credits Sophia Dignadice for setting the tone for Gilas Girls after sweeping SEABA qualifiers 

    Sandy Arespacochaga credits Sophia Dignadice for setting the tone for Gilas Girls after sweeping SEABA qualifiers 

    Championship teams are often remembered for their stars, but the strongest programs are usually built around something less visible.

     

    For Gilas Pilipinas Girls, that foundation may have emerged in the form of Sophia Dignadice.

    The numbers certainly tell part of the story. 

     

    Dignadice averaged 12.0 points, 6.0 assists, and 4.5 rebounds during the FIBA U-18 Women’s Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers, helping the Philippines complete a flawless 4-0 campaign and secure a berth in next year’s Division A tournament in Malaysia.

     

    Yet for head coach Sandy Arespacochaga, her greatest contribution was not measured in points, assists, or rebounds.

     

    It was the example she set for everyone around her.

     

    “It helps that your best player, your most veteran player in Sophia Dignadice, is unselfish as the last person,” Arespacochaga told reporters following Gilas Girls’ qualification campaign.

     

    The veteran coach believes that attitude became one of the driving forces behind the team’s dominant run.

     

    “She’s also the biggest cheerleader. Kahit na starter siya or nasa bench siya, she cheers on the last player of the bench,” he added.

     

    That leadership was on full display throughout the tournament.

     

    Whether directing traffic on offense, setting up teammates, or encouraging players from the sidelines, Dignadice became a stabilizing presence for a young national team learning how to win together.

     

    She closed out the qualifiers with another productive outing, tallying 14 points, four rebounds, and four assists in an 88-62 victory over Indonesia, a result that completed the Philippines’ unbeaten campaign.

     

    But while Dignadice provided the leadership, she was hardly alone in carrying the load. 

     

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    Tournament MVP Rhiane Perez delivered dominant performances throughout the competition, while Tiffany Reyes and co-captain Brianna Katigbak played major roles in a squad that overwhelmed opponents by an average margin of 36.3 points.

     

    Together, they helped establish an identity that extended beyond talent alone.

     

    “Our girls really played well. Each and every game, they played well defensively and we shared the ball a lot. It’s very important to us to build an identity moving forward for this program,” Arespacochaga said.

     

    That identity, according to the coach, was one of the biggest victories of the tournament.

     

    Beyond securing qualification, the campaign offered an opportunity to lay the groundwork for the future of the Gilas Girls program — one built on teamwork, discipline, and collective sacrifice.

     

    “The girls were a pleasure to coach. They’re good and fearless. It was a collaboration of all the girls and a concentrated effort, and I’d like to commend the girls for that,” he said.

     

    For Dignadice, the qualifiers reinforced why she has become one of the most trusted leaders in the youth national team setup.

     

    The daughter of former PBA star Yves Dignadice and already a Southeast Asian Games gold medalist, she entered the tournament as one of the squad’s most experienced players. She leaves it having helped shape the culture of a group hoping to compete with Asia’s elite.

    The next challenge will be significantly tougher.

     

    With Division A competition awaiting in Malaysia, Gilas Girls will soon face the continent’s strongest programs. But after dominating Southeast Asia and establishing a clear identity, the Filipinas believe they have taken an important first step.

     

    And much of that foundation was built by a leader whose influence reached far beyond the box score.

     

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  • SBP begins new era with Sandy Arespacochaga taking charge of Gilas Women Youth

    SBP begins new era with Sandy Arespacochaga taking charge of Gilas Women Youth

    The rebuilding of the women’s basketball program under Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is beginning to take clearer shape, and the federation’s latest move signals a stronger focus on long-term development rather than quick fixes.


    At the center of that direction is Sandy Arespacochaga, who has officially been appointed as the new head coach of Gilas Pilipinas Women Youth.

     

    The veteran tactician now takes charge of the national girls squad preparing for the 2026 FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers set from June 2 to 6 in Bacolod.

     

    Rather than simply filling a coaching vacancy, SBP’s decision appears rooted in building continuity within the national program. 

     

    Arespacochaga brings years of experience from different levels of Philippine basketball, from collegiate success with the Ateneo Blue Eagles to professional experience as an assistant coach with NLEX Road Warriors and TNT Tropang 5G, where he has remained part of the coaching staff since 2019.

     

    He also carries international experience after previously handling Batang Gilas in the FIBA Under-19 World Cup, giving him familiarity with youth development and international competition.

     

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    Preparations for the regional qualifiers are already underway. Earlier, tournament officials and delegates conducted inspections of the competition venues in Bacolod, including the STI West Negros University Gymnasium and the Bacolod City Multi-Purpose Center and Skate Park (MICES Gym), which will serve as the practice facility.

     

    The inspections focused on ensuring the venues meet international standards, particularly in playing conditions, athlete accommodations, and spectator readiness.

     

    While the youth program begins its transition under Arespacochaga, SBP is also expected to announce the new head coach for the senior Gilas Pilipinas Women squad within the next few days.

     

    According to SBP head of communications Carlo Pamintuan, the federation is already in the final stages of discussions. He explained that several terms have already been agreed upon. 

     

    At the same time, Pamintuan clarified speculation involving former Japan women’s national team coach Tom Hovasse.

     

    “SBP had a conversation with former Japan coach Tom Hovasse but never in an interview setting and he never applied. He was not considered, but his input as a reference was valued,” said Pamintuan.

     

    The federation, however, openly acknowledged that Japan’s sustained success in women’s basketball has become one of the benchmarks they hope to follow.

     

    “Japan has a strong women’s program. They’re no. 3 in Asia and we want to emulate the same success as Japan had. We’ve seen their results and the search queued towards that direction,” he said.

     

    For SBP, the recent coaching changes appear less about immediate results and more about creating a system capable of competing consistently in Asia, starting from the youth ranks all the way to the senior national team.

     

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