PH loses great basketball patron

Credit to Author: Tempo Desk| Date: Mon, 11 Nov 2019 10:39:39 +0000

By REY C. LACHICA

Lucio “Bong” Tan Jr., whose passion for basketball is almost unparalleled, passed away yesterday, barely two days after collapsing while playing the sport dearest to his heart.

He was 53.

Tan’s involvement is basketball started when he relived the glory days of Tanduay in the now-defunct Philippine Basketball League in 1995.

Carrying the brand name Stag, Tan’s team made a name right away by winning the league’s first-ever grand slam through the able partnership of Marlou Aquino and Bal David.

The core of the team also represented the Philippine team to the Chiang Mai SEA Games on the same year where it won the gold medal with authority.

And the year before the strike of the new millennium, Tan’s Tanduay – a company they acquired from the Elizaldes – joined professional league – the PBA, bringing in players that soon made marks like former MVP Eric Menk, Mark Telan, and Chris Cantojos.

But his love affair with the pro league did not last long, though.

He returned to the basketball scene through PBL and University of the East – the school owned by their family.

He maintained a team in the league until it finally folded in 2012.

His death came like a thunderbolt to many whom he touched in various ways.

Like in the corporate boardroom, Tan was authoritative on the court – it’s because he knows his basketball very well.

Vivienne K. Tan said the untimely passing of her brother left a big void in their hearts and the group’s management which would be very hard to fill.

“Bong was a son, husband, friend and, most importantly, our elder brother whom we all relied on for advise, counsel, and leadership,” said Tan.

A streak-shooter, Tan
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