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Roybal’s Danny O’Fallon continues to coach while fighting cancer

Isaac Torres comforts Roybal High School basketball coach Danny O'Fallon moments after losing 73-33 to Providence in the first round of the state playoffs last season.
Isaac Torres comforts Roybal High School basketball coach Danny O’Fallon moments after losing 73-33 to Providence in the first round of the state playoffs last season.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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Danny O’Fallon, the Los Angeles Roybal basketball coach who guided his team to a City Section Division III championship last season, then collapsed to the court in joy while battling stage 4 colon cancer, is back coaching his team this season.

As usual, he seems more concerned about his players than himself. He said a 1-2 start might be because of a championship hangover, but he has confidence in his team.

O’Fallon is facing many challenges. He’s undergoing aggressive chemotherapy treatment that has left him hoarse and without hair.

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He said he battles day by day trying to have a normal life.

His story remains touching and inspiring. He refuses to give up hope, and every day that his players are with him, they are seeing a devoted, dedicated coach trying to help them in basketball and in life.

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