Originally published October 18, 2002, Young Star Section of the Philippine Star.

We call him the maker of champions and a living legend. Ato Badolato has the demeanor of a champion coach. It came as no surprise when the San Beda Red Cubs grabbed the NCAA Junior Championship for the 13th time this year. In the remaining seconds of Game 1 of the Juniors finals, Letran was ahead by a few points. Coach Ato was a picture of calm even as he gave last-minute instructions to his players, a rarity among coaches at crunch time. They lost in Game 1 but made a huge comeback in Game 2 and finally, bagged the championship. Coach Ato Badolato won best coach of the year for the Juniors division. In the Junior’s Mythical Five, four out of five players were Red Cubs.

He has been the coach of San Beda since 1972. His sports program is considered one of the best and most successful in the country. Thanks to Coach Ato, San Beda has become a training ground for potentially outstanding basketball players. His boys who played and are playing in the UAAP are the key players in their respective universities. His most famous protege is L.A. Tenorio.

He claims to have no secret formula for his successful coaching, but from the looks of it, his instinct surpasses theory and his passion for the game drives him to be an exceptional teacher. Under his tutelage, San Beda has won 13 NCAA Junior championships, 10 National titles, 10 Pasarelles.

Get to know Coach Ato in this interview:

Young STAR: What made you stay this long in San Beda?

Ato Badolato: Dito ako nag-start since Grade 1. Siguro love of the game made me go full time.

What is the secret of your coaching success?

No secrets. Tiyaga lang sa mga bata. I join as many tournaments as possible since there is no substitute for a player being able to test his skills in an actual tournament. Also, I am always on the lookout for good players. I recruit them within the school or outside the school.

How do you conduct try-outs? What do you look for in a player?

We announce the tryouts here (San Beda). I can spot what I need, big man, point guard, shooter, depende dun sa natitirang players sa akin.

What qualities make a good player for the Red Cubs?

He must have talent kahit konti. Kailangan din matiyaga siya. He should have discipline. He should be willing to learn, sacrifice, and give up some of his hobbies just to be a good player.

Do you see yourself coaching for another school aside from San Beda?

Hindi na siguro. Nangako ako  hanggang matapos ang career ko. I will be here for as long as the school needs me.

How do you train your players? Do you have a different training practice from the other coaches?

Wala naman siguro. Ganyan din ang mga ginagawa ng mga ibang coach. They start with the fundamentals conditioning of players. Then they go into basics practising different types of defenses. Nakukuha lang talaga yan sa tiyaga.

How do you motivate the Red Cubs?

Hindi na kailangan. Because they know what it means to be a Red Cub the tradition they have to uphold. It is something they look forward to. They don’t really need that much motivation.

Do your former players (Ren-Ren Ritualo, L.A. Tenorio, Jonjon Tabique, Magnum Membrere, etc.) still ask you for advice?

Oo. Sometimes they call me. Sometimes we run into each other at the games. Also, we take trips outside the Philippines, like to the US. Yung mga iba na hindi kayang magbayad, tinutulungan ko at nagso-solicit ako. Yung mga successful na, yun naman ang tumutulong sa akin. Almost every year, we try to go to the States. Former Red Cubs who are PBA players help us.

Rank the 10 best players you’ve ever coached.

Ten best players? Medyo mahirap yata yan. Yung mga naglaro at naglalaro pa rin sa PBA. Paras, Magsanoc, Altamirano, Pumaren, Esplana, Chito Loyzaga, si Boybits Victoria, Ritualo, Messina, at siguro si Bravo. Of course may mga bata pa, you have to include Tenorio, Membrere, Cordero and Tabique.

What do you think of Red Cubs moving on to the UAAP?

I am both happy and sad. Happy, because other schools are interested in San Beda players. Sad, because we keep on losing them.

Do you encourage Red Cubs to stay on the team?

I tell the players to weigh their options. I tell their parents to think about what is best for their kids in terms of academics and their future in basketball. I never tell them to choose this or to choose that.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

My greatest achievement? When I was given a break to coach the Red Cubs. May nagtanong sa akin kung ano raw ang pagkakaiba ng championship na ito sa mga nakaraan. Sabi ko, I think all championships pare-pareho lang. I am proud of all of them.

Is there anyone who can fill in your shoes?

Ah marami naman niyan. Wala naman taong indispensable. Marami akong kilala who would want to continue coaching the Red Cubs.

Do you think the Red Cubs will still play a good game even if San Beda high school turns co-ed when they transfer to Taytay, Rizal?

Siguro at the beginning maninibago iyan. Not everyone would want to study in a far place. San Beda Mendiola is a good location because you can live in Quezon City, Pasig or Alabang, and it is still easy to come here. At the beginning, medyo mahihirapan. Pero probably that my next goal -to continue San Beda power in the Red Cubs even with this transfer. Siguro, if I can do that, malaki ang na-accomplish ko for the Red Cubs.

We ask the inevitable question: Will Coach Ato go back to coaching college level-basketball?

The obvious answer from a man who has done so much: No!

Coach Ato says he prefers to be known as a guide. Yet, he will always be a mentor to his players, who after college, continue to play not only with great skill but with heart.

by Luis Carlo San Juan

Photo Credit – Jun Fontilla, Jr.