Grand Slam coach Baby Dalupan dies at 92

Legendary Philippine Basketball Association coach Virgilio "Baby" Dalupan passed away on Wednesday at the age of 92.

A report on GMA News TV's "Balitanghali" quoted one of the children of Dalupan as saying the Gland Slam coach passed away during his sleep due to pneumonia complications.

A memorial service will be held on Friday for Dalupan at the Ateneo de Manila University chapel.

Dalupan, known as "The Maestro," led the University of the East Red Warriors to 12 UAAP championships including seven straight titles from 1965 to 1971.

The Ateneo Blue Eagles also won two NCAA titles in 1975 and 1976 with him at the helm.

But it was in the PBA where Dalupan further cemented his legendary status.

The Maestro won a combined 15 PBA titles as chief tactician of the Crispa Redmanizers (9), Great Taste (5), and Purefoods (1).

Dalupan was the first head coach of the PBA who steered his team to a Grand Slam when he led Crispa to the title against arch-rival Toyota in all three PBA conferences in 1976.

The PBA Press Corps even renamed its Coach of Year Award in honor of the legendary coach. — Joseph Tristan Roxas/LBG, GMA News