Bulldogs Face Coaching Setback After UAAP Sanction
The UAAP suspended National University assistant coach Paul Du for the remainder of Season 89 following a postgame incident. The sanction removes Du from basketball-related activities after an altercation involving University of Santo Tomas assistant coach Arsenio Dysangco.
UAAP Hands Paul Du Season-Long Suspension
Lorenzo del Carmen chronicled the Basketball Commissioner’s Office decision following the October 10 matchup between National University and UST. The incident occurred during the postgame handshake line after UST defeated the Bulldogs, 90-66, at SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The supplied report described Du delivering a forceful elbow toward Dysangco, causing the UST assistant coach to fall. Dysangco subsequently required medical attention following the incident between the coaches, who previously played together at Uno High School.

Image from: SPIN.ph
Sanction Covers 5-on-5 and 3×3 Basketball
The Commissioner’s Office immediately barred Du from basketball-related activities through the official conclusion of UAAP Season 89. His suspension covers both 5-on-5 and 3×3 competitions across every division included under the league’s basketball program.
Additional UAAP Sanctions Remain Possible
Du’s season-long suspension may not represent the final disciplinary action arising from the postgame confrontation involving the two assistants. The UAAP Board of Managing Directors retains authority to consider additional penalties connected with the October 10 incident.
The Basketball Commissioner’s Office acknowledged that possibility while announcing the immediate sanction imposed against the National University assistant coach. Any additional punishment would remain separate from the suspension already covering Du through the official conclusion of Season 89.
NU Retains Right to Appeal Decision
National University retains the right to appeal the Basketball Commissioner’s Office ruling while Du’s announced suspension remains immediately effective. Any appeal outcome remains unresolved, leaving the existing season-long sanction as the operative disciplinary decision against the NU assistant.
Dysangco Declines Legal Action Against Du
Dysangco later confirmed he would not pursue legal action against Du following the postgame incident between the two assistant coaches. He addressed the situation after UST’s following game against Far Eastern University while discussing the league’s disciplinary review.
“I’m sure the UAAP has reviewed all the videos and all the circumstances doon sa case kaya I trust na, lalo na ‘yung mga precedents, and I’m sure they’re gonna make a good decision regarding this. I trust them.”
Dysangco expressed confidence that league officials had considered available video and circumstances surrounding the case before determining appropriate action. His decision against pursuing legal action remained separate from the disciplinary sanction already imposed through the UAAP basketball process.
UST Assistant Expresses Trust in UAAP Review
Dysangco referenced available videos while explaining his confidence in the UAAP’s handling of the incident involving him and Du. He also cited previous cases while expressing trust that league officials would reach an appropriate disciplinary decision.
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UAAP Review Covers Postgame Handshake Incident
The incident occurred after regulation during the teams’ postgame handshake line following UST’s 90-66 victory over National University. The Commissioner’s Office subsequently imposed its season-long sanction after reviewing circumstances surrounding the confrontation between Du and Dysangco.
Dysangco’s public response specifically referenced videos while expressing confidence in the UAAP’s evaluation of the October 10 incident. The announced punishment remained effective while National University retained its right to pursue an appeal through league procedures.
Video Forms Part of Dysangco’s Public Response
Dysangco said he believed the UAAP reviewed available videos and circumstances before reaching its decision regarding the postgame incident. His comments supported confidence in the league’s process without changing the immediate disciplinary sanction already announced against Du.
NU Continues Season 89 Without Paul Du
National University must continue its Season 89 basketball campaign without Du participating in activities covered by the announced league sanction. His absence remains effective through the season’s official conclusion unless subsequent league proceedings alter the Commissioner’s Office decision.
The disciplinary process also remains open because NU can appeal while the Board of Managing Directors considers additional penalties. Until either process produces another decision, the season-long suspension remains the confirmed punishment facing the National University assistant coach.
Appeal Could Still Affect Final Disciplinary Outcome
NU’s appeal rights leave the case procedurally unresolved despite the immediate enforcement of Du’s season-long suspension from basketball activities. Additional sanctions also remain possible, but neither an appeal result nor further punishment had been confirmed within the supplied timeline.
Analytical Breakdown: NU Must Keep Its Focus
NU’s immediate challenge is maintaining staff continuity while preventing the disciplinary situation from distracting players during their remaining games. Assistant coaches influence preparation and communication, making Du’s absence an organizational adjustment extending beyond his presence on the bench. NU must keep basketball responsibilities clearly structured while any appeal proceeds separately through the UAAP’s established disciplinary process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the UAAP suspend Paul Du?
The suspension followed a postgame handshake-line incident involving NU assistant Paul Du and UST assistant coach Arsenio Dysangco.
How long is Paul Du suspended?
Du is suspended from basketball-related activities through the official conclusion of UAAP Season 89 under the announced sanction.
Does Paul Du’s suspension include 3×3 basketball?
Yes, the announced sanction covers 5-on-5 and 3×3 basketball activities across all divisions during UAAP Season 89.
Can National University appeal Paul Du’s suspension?
Yes, NU retains the right to appeal the Basketball Commissioner’s Office decision through the UAAP’s established disciplinary process.
Will Arsenio Dysangco pursue legal action?
Dysangco said he would not pursue legal action and expressed confidence in the UAAP’s review of the incident.
Disclaimer: Headline Image from Manila Bulletin.












