MANILA, Philippines — November 12, 2026 — The Ateneo Blue Eagles have welcomed back a familiar face as their UAAP Season 89 campaign enters a crucial stretch, with veteran coach Sandy Arespacochaga temporarily returning to the coaching bench to help the team navigate the absence of suspended head coach Louie Alas.
Arespacochaga, who previously spent years with Ateneo’s basketball program, rejoined the Blue Eagles on Wednesday, November 11, when they faced Adamson University. His return comes at a critical time, as Ateneo continues fighting to keep its Final Four hopes alive.
However, his presence could not immediately change the team’s fortunes. Adamson defeated Ateneo, 62-55, leaving the Blue Eagles with a 5-7 win-loss record and increasing the pressure on their remaining assignments.
The temporary return of Arespacochaga provides Ateneo with valuable coaching experience, familiarity with its players, and additional guidance during an important period of the season.
Why Sandy Arespacochaga Returned to the Ateneo Coaching Bench
According to a report by The Philippine Star’s Ralph Edwin Villanueva, Ateneo team manager Nico Salva and university president Fr. Bobby Yap sought permission from TNT management and its coaching staff to allow Arespacochaga to assist the Blue Eagles.
The arrangement was made possible by the extended break in the PBA schedule before the Governors’ Cup semifinals.
Arespacochaga currently serves as an assistant coach for TNT in the PBA and is also involved with the Hiraya youth basketball team. His return to Ateneo is therefore temporary, rather than a permanent change in his professional coaching commitments.
He explained that the Blue Eagles needed an experienced coach and a familiar presence during this stretch.
Arespacochaga also emphasized that he already knew many of the players and members of the coaching staff, having remained with the team until April.
His connection with Ateneo goes beyond his previous coaching position. As an alumnus, he said helping the university’s basketball program remains something deeply familiar to him.
RJ Jazul Welcomes Arespacochaga’s Return
Ateneo assistant coach RJ Jazul expressed appreciation for Arespacochaga’s return, describing his presence as a significant boost to the coaching staff.
Jazul, who handled much of the coaching responsibilities during the Adamson matchup, acknowledged the value of having an experienced mentor back on the bench.
He also revealed that Arespacochaga had continued helping during practices even before his official return to the sidelines.
The timing of TNT’s break simply gave the veteran coach an opportunity to provide more direct assistance.
For Ateneo, this additional support could be important as the team attempts to maintain its competitiveness while Alas completes his suspension.
Why Is Louie Alas Suspended?
Arespacochaga’s return comes after the UAAP Basketball Commissioner’s Office handed Alas a two-game suspension following separate incidents involving unsportsmanlike conduct.
According to GMA News, one incident occurred during Ateneo’s November 7 matchup against the University of the Philippines, when Alas entered the playing court to protest a non-call and received a technical foul.
Another incident involved his conduct toward UST’s Amiel Acido during their October 17 game. The league reviewed the incident and imposed a disciplinary sanction.
The second suspension also followed a heated exchange during the Ateneo-UP matchup, when Alas directed profanities toward UP player Jacob Bayla after a late-game dunk.
The UAAP determined that his actions escalated tensions and risked a possible altercation.
Alas served the first game of his latest suspension against Adamson on November 11. His remaining suspension will be served during Ateneo’s upcoming meeting with UST on November 15.
Ateneo’s Final Four Hopes Face a Critical Test
The defeat against Adamson has made Ateneo’s remaining schedule increasingly important.
The Blue Eagles now carry a 5-7 record, tied with Adamson, while UST sits in fifth place at 6-6. La Salle and Far Eastern University are ahead of them with identical 6-5 records.
That leaves Ateneo with limited room for mistakes as it attempts to end its two-year absence from the UAAP men’s basketball Final Four.
Assistant coach Jazul acknowledged that the team still has a chance, even if its path to the semifinals has become difficult.
His message reflects the team’s immediate objective: stay alive in the standings and maximize every remaining opportunity.
For more UAAP developments, read our coverage of Peter Osang’s impressive UST debut against UE, which strengthened the Growling Tigers’ position in the Final Four race.
A Familiar Face, but Can Experience Change Ateneo’s Direction?
Arespacochaga’s return is more than a temporary addition to the coaching bench. It represents the continued connection between Ateneo and a veteran mentor who spent years helping develop the Blue Eagles’ basketball program.
His experience with the players and familiarity with the team’s system could provide valuable support as the coaching staff works through a challenging stretch.
Still, one important question remains: Can Ateneo translate that experience into victories?
The Blue Eagles cannot afford to rely on coaching adjustments alone. Their remaining games will require stronger execution, improved consistency, and contributions from the entire roster.
The upcoming matchup against UST on November 15 will be particularly important, especially with Alas still serving his suspension.
Ateneo’s Final Four campaign is far from over, but the margin for error is shrinking.
With Arespacochaga temporarily back in the fold, the Blue Eagles have gained an experienced voice at a time when they need all the help they can get. Whether that assistance will be enough to revive their semifinal hopes remains to be seen.
