MANILA, Philippines - Mapua yesterday formalized the appointment of former PBA star and King Cardinal Atoy Co as head coach with a contract-signing led by school president and CEO Reynaldo Vea with several school officials and members of the squad.
“Atoy is one of the Philippines’ greatest basketball players and he is a former Cardinal. He will certainly bring excitement to the Mapua Cardinals as well as the entire Mapua community, including our legion of alumni who have followed him play professionally through the years,†said Vea.
Co joined the Cardinals in 1970 and played for the team for three years. He was named MVP during his first and second year. He also played for the Crispa Redmanizers, Great Taste and Manila Beer in the PBA.
In April 2000, Co was named one of PBA’s 25 all-time greatest players and was later inducted into the association’s Hall of Fame.
When asked of his plans for the upcoming season of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, Co said that he will take things one step at a time, starting with the Final 4.
“We will do our best. What I would want is to see my team fighting up to the end,†said Co.
He added: “Hopefully in three years we will be playing for the championship. This year, my dream is to get into the Top 4. That would be a big achievement for the team, for me and for everybody.â€
Co replaced Chito Victolero whose three-year contract expired at the end of Season 88.