Magsanoc, Point Laureate, says Gilas on the right track

Ronnie Magsanoc during the blockbuster opening of the 7th Inter-Scholastic Athletic Association.

Hall of Famer Ronnie Magsanoc, dubbed as the Point Laureate during his prime in a nationwide contest for basketball fans spearheaded by most-respected Inquirer columnist Recah Trinidad, said Gilas Pilipinas is on the right track in its bid to give glory to the country.

A two-time Asian Gamer and member of the national team which pocketed the silver medal behind host China, Magsanoc said Gilas, which has failed to lure some of the sport’s top guns, already has the template for success which was planted during the 2013 Fiba Asia Championship in Manila.

Gilas PH rekindled the country’s desire for basketball excellence in the international stage, when it pocketed the silver medal behind powerhouse Iran. Though the nationals bowed to the Hamed Hadadi-led Iranians in the final, 85-71, the country jubilated as Gilas advanced to the prestigious Fiba World Cup last year in various Spanish cities.

‘‘The mission is the same. Time, it seems, may not be enough but the team has the experience to carry the mission,’’ said Magsanoc, who was guest of honor and speaker during the blockbuster opening of the 7th Inter-Scholastic Athletic Association last Wednesday at Cuneta Astrodome.

Magsanoc, who is a member of the coaching staff of Meralco Bolts in the PBA, said Gilas has a coach in Tab Baldwin who understands the competition.

Baldwin earlier said that he isn’t parading the best players but the best unit in the Fiba Asia Championship slated September 23-October 3 at Changsa, China.
Baldwin previously handled the nationals teams of Malaysia, New Zealand, Jordan and Lebanon.

The Changsa champion will advance to the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Summer Games.

In his speech, Magsanoc, also a TV analyst for the Shakey’s V-League, encouraged the young ISAA players to try their best and cherish their playing moments.

‘‘The values that you learned from sports will help you after college. Use this experience as an investment for the future,’’ said the 49-year-old Magsanoc,
who with Benjie Paras lifted University of the Philippines to the 1986 UAAP men’s basketball diadem.

‘‘Benjie and I were dubbed as sons of the whistle because our fathers were policemen. There were times that we’re unable to pay jeepney fare going to our practices at San Beda,’’ recalled Magsanoc. ‘‘But things changed because of basketball. Our lives changed for the better.’’

Magsanoc entered the pros in 1988 after being selected by Formula Shell. He ended his career in 2002 as member of the Purefoods Tender Juicy Hotdogs.

A member of the PBA’s 25 greatest players, Magsanoc also reminded ISAA players to put importance on education.

‘‘Education rewarded me with life after basketball,’’ said Magsanoc, who graduated with a degree of philosophy from UP.

His face lit up when he saw former professor Dr. Sergio Cao among the crowd at the Astrodome. Formerly UP Diliman Chancellor, Cao is now president of ISAA stalwart Manila Tytana Colleges, a part of the Metrobank Foundation.

‘‘Thank you sir for teaching me math. Thank you for helping me graduate,’’ said a smiling Magsanoc.

Cao showered Magsanoc with praises. ‘‘He was a very good example of a student-athlete. I am not surprised that he has become successful after basketball,’’ said a delighted Cao.