Ato Badolato: PH basketball's star maker

MANILA, Philippines –  Benjie Paras, Ronnie Magsanoc, Eric Altamirano, Dindo Pumaren, Renren Ritualo, JV Casio, LA Tenorio, Magnum Membrere, Nico Salva, Aljon Mariano, Chris Calaguio. The list goes on.

 

Do these names ring a bell? These players had stellar college basketball careers, and went on to play in the professional ranks and for the Philippine national team.

 

What else do they all have in common? They all played for multi-titled high school basketball powerhouse San Beda Red Cubs under coach Ato Badolato before some of them transferred to other schools.

 

Asked on what qualities Coach Ato Badolato sees in a player, he mentions, “Attitude, talent and dedication”. He also admires players who work hard and listens to their coaches. Although he feels sad that most of the players from San Beda high school transfers to other schools, he cannot blame them because of more exposure and opportunities. It just meant of the system he implemented and the program of the school. He only wished that San Beda can do something to keep their high school players.

 

As to plans of retiring from the sport, he said that it is hard to get away from the passion you love most,  saying that he is always willing to do everything he can for the benefit of Philippine basketball.