UAAP: Sandy Arespacochaga answers Ateneo’s call, lends veteran experience in tough Final Four race

MANILA – Former Ateneo de Manila University deputy assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga made his return to the Blue Eagles bench on Wednesday, a call he was ready to answer despite juggling other responsibilities.

Arespacochaga joined assistant coach RJ Jazul and the Ateneo coaching staff in their game against Adamson University, with coach Louie Alas serving a two-game suspension.

Having decades of service under his belt, Arespacochaga was called back by Ateneo to help out the team that’s fighting to stay in the hunt for the Final Four.

“It’s all been weird for Ateneo the past few months. So, Coach Louie [Alas], Coach Nico [Salva] had also asked if, since the schedule Talk ‘N Text break kami from games, if I can go help out and assist,” Arespacochaga told reporters after Ateneo’s 62-55 loss at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“They needed a veteran coach, so unfortunately, matanda na pala ako. Veteran na pala ako. But ‘yun, sayang lang we lost. Big loss for us. Adamson played well,” he added.

Last February, Arespacochaga stepped away from the Blue Eagles to focus on his commitment with Gilas Hiraya Youth and the TNT Tropang 5G.

“They also needed a familiar face. And so, matagal na ako with the team. And I was with the team until April. And so, kilala ko naman ‘yung players,” he said.

“I’m still with Talk ‘N Text. But just for this, itong parang span wherein wala pang games ang Talk ‘N Text, I can help out,” Arespacochaga clarified.

Despite being away from Ateneo for months, he said answering the call to help was a no-brainer given his familiarity with the team and desire to give back.

“Anytime you have a chance to help, I still feel that, even though I’m no longer with the team, I still feel I’m with the team,” Arespacochaga explained.

“So it wasn’t a challenge in helping. I think for us former members, it’s a bit automatic, serving and helping out any way we can. I think whether it’s the team or our alma mater, I think we are all in the same way,” he added.

Despite Arespacochaga lending his veteran presence to the team, the Blue Eagles fell to the Soaring Falcons 62-55, putting them in a tough position in the Final Four race.

“It’s a good feeling that you can help people out. I wish I could have helped more. Of course, natalo eh. But sometimes you learn the value of appreciating giving more than receiving,” he said.

But even if they failed to get the win, Arespacochaga remains optimistic Ateneo can still turn things around by taking things one game at a time.

“You know regardless, whether slim chance, big chance, whatever, focus naman is the next game. Try to win the next game. And then we have another game after that. Try to win the next game. And then we’ll see what happen,” he said.

“But we have to think specific, we can’t be down and depressed for too long. We can’t, life goes on. We have to prepare for the next task at hand,” Arespacochaga added.

Ateneo will look to bounce back on Sunday against University of Santo Tomas.