PHNOM PENH — Being in the Southeast Asian Games while helping out the Philippine 3×3 squad once more allowed Philippine Basketball Association Hall of Famer Ronnie Magsanoc and the former University of the Philippines and national squad teammate Joey Guanio a chance to get a trip down memory lane.
After winning a championship together with the Fighting Maroons in the Universities Athletic Association of the Philippines in 1986, both Magsanoc and Guanio obtained gold medals with the Philippine men’s basketball team coached by no less than their college mentor Joe Lipa.
“It’s so valuable for Joey to be helping the program in the 3×3 being the PBA tournament director, ” said Magsanoc, now project director of 3×3 of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas. “We need live bodies to help out the players and coaches and we’re happy that we’ve come in full circle.”
Guanio then recalled being fortunate to be a part of the team that won the gold medal in Indonesia in 1987 considering he was still a part of the youth squad.
“We won the gold medal in Indonesia in ‘87. But a lot of things have changed. Basketball has really evolved,” said Guanio. “Games are more high tech, but great memories nevertheless and it’s fun to be here.”
They’re also hoping to see our Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 team reclaiming the gold — and see our players earn points and qualify for the Olympics.
