The Philippine basketball community is mourning the passing of legendary champion high school coach Edmundo "Ato" Badolato on Sunday.
The San Beda University Alumni Association was among those that announced his passing. Badolato was 74.
Badolato was the long-time coach of the famed San Beda high school program, which he led to 16 NCAA Juniors titles in a storied 37-year career on the Red Cubs bench. He also served as the athletic director for San Beda.
Among the players who came through his program are legends Benjie Paras and Ronnie Magsanoc and active players such as LA Tenorio, JVee Casio, and Baser Amer.
Tenorio and San Beda team manager Jude Roque were among the many who paid tribute to the coaching legend on social media.
Sad news… the winningest High school coach, my mentor, Coach ATO BADOLATO passed away this evening.. ???? will miss you Ato. Ikaw ang malaki rason bakit ako nandito sa position ko ngayon. Tatanawin ko malaking utang na loob lahat ng ginawa mo sa akin bilang isang player.. #RIPAto
— L.A Tenorio (@LA_Tenorio) December 19, 2021
Badolato's later posts include commissioner of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and tournament director for the National Basketball Training Center (NBTC).
—JMB, GMA News
