Eric Altamirano, a former Philippine Basketball Association mentor, said that he is still open to a return to coaching in the country's premiere league.

"I'm opening my options when it comes to coaching again in the PBA especially if there is a nice offer, but I'm also happy with what I'm doing right now," Altamirano told the DAILY STAR.

Altamirano, who had stints with Shell, Pepsi, Alaska as a player, became the youngest coach to win a championship in the PBA when he led Purefoods to the 1997 All-Filipino crown.

Altamirano, who helped the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons snare the UAAP title during his collegiate days, also guided the Mobiline Phone Pals to its first-ever PBA championship by reigning supreme the Centennial Cup.

In 2005, Altamirano took over the coaching job for the Coca-Cola Tigers after Chot Reyes left the team to mentor the Philippine national squad. Altamirano has also coached the SMC All-Stars.

Altamirano currently heads the selection committee of the Elite Camp, which aims to scout and develop the talents of aspiring high school players from all over the country. The former PBA coach said that he is excited and passionate about his job because it enables him to help young cagers achieve their dreams of playing in professional leagues in the future.

The staff of Elite Camp, including PBA team Welcoat assistant coach Alex Compton and San Beda College Mentor Ato Badolato, conducted a tryout in Bacolod City recently and is also set to hold the event in Cebu, Davao, Pampanga, Baguio, Manila and Batangas. *CIT

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