KRISTEL SATUMBAGA

Loreto “Ato” Tolentino, one of pioneer PBA players and a multi-titled coach, passed away early Sunday, Nov. 5. He was 75.

His son, Marikina Councilor and coach Elvis Tolentino confirmed the news in a social media post, which garnered messages of prayers for the prolific player-turned-coach.

Nicknamed “Mr Hotshot” during his pro career in the 70s, Tolentino was among the highest paid players back then with a monthly salary of P12,000.

He retired in 1979 after tearing a cartilage in his left knee, but found a new calling in coaching for his alma mater – University of Manila.

As coach, he steered the Hawks to three National Inter-Collegiate championships, five straight titles in the National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (NAASCU) that was highlighted by a 86-game winning streak.

He also called the shots for Philippine Christian University, leading the Dolphins to their lone NCAA title in 2004 behind a strong squad composed of Jayson Castro, Beau Belga and Rookie-MVP winner Gabby Espinas.

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