NAGLULUKSA ang Philippine basketball community sa pagkawala ng isa sa modern-day pillars nito makaraang sumakabilang-buhay si San Miguel Corp. (SMC) chairman and chief executive officer Eduardo ‘Danding’ Cojuangco Jr. noong Martes ng gabi sa edad na 85.
Si Cojuangco ang arkitekto ng Northern Consolidated Cement o ang NCC-backed national team pool noong 1980s, na naging kasalukuyang standard sa kung paano bubuuin ang isang Philippine team na binubuo ng mga batang player.
Binubuo ng amateur stars na magiging Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) mainstays sa susunod na dekada, ang NCC squad ay nagwagi sa 1985 FIBA Asia (dating Asian Basketball Confederation) Cup championship at nanatiling tanging remains non-professional team na nanalo ng PBA title.
“His NCC concept was my inspiration for the Gilas program,” wika ni dating PBA commissioner Noli Eala, na tumulong sa pagbuo ng kasalukuyang national team model, via Twitter.
Si Cojuangco ay longtime patron din ng La Salle’s men’s basketball team, na nagwagi ng maraming University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) titles, gayundin ng dalawang Philippine Collegiate Champions League championships.
“His devotion to DLSU as patron and supporter was unparalleled,” dagdag ni Eala.
“Together with the whole La Sallian community, we mourn for your loss. Thank you for your countless contribution, Ninong Boss ECJ!” pahayag ni Green Archer at ngayo’y TNT KaTropa player Almond Vosotros sa kanyang Twitter account.
Idinagdag ni current University of Santo Tomas coach Aldin Ayo, na ginabayan ang La Salle sa 2016 UAAP title, na, ‘Thank you for the opportunity. (I am) forever grateful for your kindness and generosity.”
Nanatili rin ang suporta ni Cojuangco sa PBA magmula nang itatag ito noong 1975 kung saan ang flagship squad ng SMC, ang San Miguel Beermen, ang nag-iisang founding member, na nananatiling aktibo sa liga sa kasalukuyan.
Naging matagumpay rin ang sister teams ng San Miguel, ang Ginebra at Magnolia.
“His commitment to SMC teams and the PBA was legendary,” sabi pa ninEala.
“(He was) a tremendous friend to Philippine basketball. Our prayers for him and the Cojuangco family. The passing of an era,” sabi naman ni Ginebra coach Tim Cone sa kanyang tweet.
Sa isang statement, pinasalamatan ng PBA si Cojuangco “for your countless contribution to the PBA and Philippine sports!” PNA
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