Chip Engelland thrilled over return to a place he calls ‘home’ | Inquirer Sports

Chip Engelland thrilled over return to a place he calls ‘home’

/ 10:41 PM August 24, 2023

Chip Engelland Team USA FIba World Cup

Team USA’s Chip Engelland. –JONAS TERRADO/Inquirer Sports

Chip Engelland is thrilled to be back in the Philippines, this time as part of Team USA’s coaching staff for the Fiba World Cup

An older generation of hoop fans can recall Engelland being a part of the Northern Consolidated program of Danding Cojuangco and coach Ron Jacobs in the mid-80s.

Article continues after this advertisement

“I have great memories, first of the great players of the PBA, my teammates with NCC and San Miguel,” Engelland told a handful of reporters after the Americans concluded Wednesday’s practice at Mall of Asia Arena.

FEATURED STORIES

Engelland was quick to reflect on NCC figures who had already passed, namely Cojuangco and his son Henry, Jacobs and teammate Alfie Almario.

“I remember our great owner, Mr. Cojuangco, who I miss and we all do. He supported us. Great coach we had, Ron Jacobs, our team manager was Henry Cojuangco, so we miss him. My dear friend in the team, Alfie Alamario, so I have a lot of memories,” said Engelland.

Article continues after this advertisement

“Many are happy and some are sad ones because life happens,” added the former San Antonio Spurs shooting guru who is now with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Article continues after this advertisement

This is Engelland’s first visit to the country since 2007, and there are already plans to catch up with some of his former Philippine national team buddies, including a meeting with the ailing Samboy Lim sometime this week.

Engelland played a few seasons in the PBA when NCC played as a guest team and was part of the squad that captured the 1985 William Jones Cup in Taiwan, defeating a fancied United States selection.

Article continues after this advertisement

He was in the process of having his naturalization papers secured when the Edsa People Power Revolution led to the disbandment of Cojuangco’s cage program.

But that didn’t prevent Engelland from keeping in touch with those he had been into a lot of cage wars from here and abroad.

“I couldn’t be more excited. I feel I’m home again. It feels really good,” he said.

RELATED STORIES
Steve Kerr finally experiences basketball-crazy Philippines

Team USA’s Jalen Brunson surprised to know dad Rick played in PBA as import

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

TAGS: Chip Engelland, Fiba World Cup

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.