PBA legends to hold fund-raising hoops event

Two basketball games in which the retired Beermen will battle the former Aces and the legends of the Barangay will take on the former Hotshots will happen in September at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. (Wikimedia commons, Fair use)

MANILA — Fans who miss the 90s rivalry between San Miguel and Alaska, as well as those who followed the early days of the “Manila Clasico”, will get a chance to reminisce the good old days as the former stars of SMB, Alaska, Ginebra, and Purefoods will come together for one night of basketball for charity.

Two basketball games in which the retired Beermen will battle the former Aces and the legends of the Barangay will take on the former Hotshots will happen in September at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

The said legends games will be the first project of the Samahan ng mga Dating Propesyonal na Basketbolista ng Pilipinas, a newly-founded organization catering to the needs of past PBA and MBA stars, especially those who struggled in life following their retirement.

“We sought the PBA’s support and they gave us a warm reception especially because this in an event for a cause,” said current Mapua head coach Atoy Co.

The Crispa legend acts as the president of the union, while his fellow Cardinals coaching staff member Ed Cordero is the secretary.

Co’s fellow ex-Redmanizer, former San Juan Knights coach Philip Cezar, is the vice president.

The rest of the officers include Allan Caidic (treasurer), Alvin Patrimonio, Kenneth Duremdes, Jojo Lastimosa, Pido Jarencio, and Art Dela Cruz (board members).

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial, on the other hand, expressed his assurance of support to the new hoops legends body.

“They put up a foundation that will be ready to help their peers. We’re cooperating with them and we’re giving them all-out support,” Marcial said.

“Tutulungan natin lumakas ‘yung foundation. Kapag lumakas ‘yon, marami silang matutulungan na nangangailangang dating kasamahan[We”’ will make the foundation stronger and once that happens, more of our former colleagues will get help].”

For the said legends basketball event, Marcial said, “Sila ang bahala sa players while the PBA takes care of the operation and promotions. The proceeds go to the foundation.”

Current Philippine Sports Commission commissioner Mon Fernandez and former senator Robert Jaworski, who starred for SMB and Ginebra respectively, are among those who are expected to grace the event.