Pinoy hoops pillar passes away

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine basketball, and Philippine sports in general, just lost a pillar – Nic Jorge.

One of the most likeable coaches around and better known as the founder of the renowned Milo Best Center basketball program, Jorge passed away in his sleep early yesterday.

He was 78.

But more than his undying advocacy for grassroots basketball, Jorge left behind a lasting legacy.

Jorge was founding member of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), former secretary-general of its predecessor, the Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP), and former coach of the Philippine team that competed in the 1978 FIBA World Championship.

It was in that same tournament that he realized something has to be done to improve Philippine basketball, particularly in the grassroots.

Then came the Milo Best in 1978.

“I was one of his products,” said Kiefer Ravena, a former Ateneo star, who now plays for NLEX in the PBA, referring to Jorge.

Jorge practically spent most of his life in basketball, being a playing coach of the University of the Philippines Maroons in the 60s before making another tour of duty with the Diliman-based dribblers in the late 90s. He was a former coach in the early years of the PBA as well as in the amateur circuit – the PABL.

For a few years, he was also at the coaching helm at Mapua.

His death left a pall of sadness in Pinoy hoops.

Phoenix coach Louie Alas vividly remembers his mentor.

“He’s super cool but strict. He’s very accommodating to me when I started to coach, whatever I ask, he answers. He’s really more than willing to share,” said Alas.

Jorge, or simply Nic, will be missed.