MANILA, Philippines - The Filipino-Chinese Veterans Basketball Association (FCVBA) won all its three matches in an emphatic start in the 23rd ASEAN Veterans basketball tournament at the Bangkok Science Sports Center in Bangkok, Thailand last Tuesday.
Led by former PBA cagers Sunny Co and Noli Banate, Conrad Siy and Rain or Shine owner Terry Que, the 60-years squad stunned defending champion Kuching of Malaysia, 46-41, to serve notice of its bid to regain the crown it lost last year in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Considered as one of the best Fil-Chinese shooters in the 70s, Co came through with treys as the Edster Sy-mentored FCVBA squad rallied in the third quarter to get back at the Malaysians.
FCVBA, backed by Ironcon Builders, Freego and Rain or Shine, also won in the 50 and 40-years divisions of the annual event.
“It’s a good start, we won all three games, but we still need to play harder and smarter to ensure our success,” said Jimi Lim, one of the godfathers of the association.
Former Letran star Jerry Gonzales hit 12 points as the 50-squad, out to extend its reign to six years, rolled to a 46-36 win over Kuala Lumpur.
Aside from Gonzales, coach Joel Yap also got significant numbers from Danny Ching, Julio Cruz, Ng Yuk Chi, Rudy Yu and former PBA star Elmer Reyes.
FCVBA’s 40-years squad was hardly challenged as it romped to a 55-41 win over Kuala Lumpur behind the inspired plays of Braulio Lim, Lorencio Lim, Louie Kaw and former UE coach Lawrence Chongson.