Big J making good progress

MANILA, Philippines — Basketball icon Robert Jaworski is “making good progress” after catching pneumonia last year.

In a social media post, the Jaworski family said the cage Living Legend was hospitalized due to pneumonia but has tested negative for COVID-19.

However, due to a “non-life threatening blood abnormality” discovered by his doctors in 2016, the family said the Big J has experienced “difficulty in regaining strength, weight and normal well-being. Despite this, he is making good progress and is slowly moving forward.”

The Jaworskis asked for continued well wishes and prayers for one of Philippine basketball’s biggest names even as they requested for privacy and understanding.

Jaworski, whose toughness and never-say-die spirit both as a player and coach became the trademark of crowd darling Ginebra in the PBA, turned 75 last March 8.

The family said the former senator sincerely appreciates the countless greetings and tributes he received as he quietly celebrated this personal milestone.

Also recently, Jaworski was included in the fourth batch of athletes named to the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame for his contributions to his beloved sport.