Remembering Danding's Legacy to Philippine Basketball

When running a sports program in any country, you would need someone who is going to handle the financial side of things. After all, basketball, or any other sports in general, still a business. What Manny V. Pangilinan is to the Ateneo de Manila University, that is who Eduardo "Danding" Cojuangco to the De La Salle University. A sports patron. And today, Philippine basketball has just lost another one of its loyal supporters as San Miguel Beermen team manager Gee Abanilla confirmed that the San Miguel Corporation's chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) has passed away at the age of 85.  

To many, Danding Cojuangco was a businessman and a politician who even run for the presidency during the 1992 elections. But to basketball fans of the old, Cojuangco helped in reigniting the Philippines' dominance in basketball especially our Asian neighbors and it's safe to say that without Danding Cojuangco who took over as project director for basketball by the late President Ferdinand Marcos, the Philippines would have never witnessed the greatness that is Ron Jacobs. Yes, it was Eduardo Cojuangco who invited the late Ron Jacobs to the Philippines and it was Cojuangco who tasked Jacobs to first and foremost, improve the quality of Philippine basketball back then. 

With Cojuangco backing and with Jacobs calling the shots from the sidelines, the Northern Cement basketball went on to win the gold medal in the 1981 William Jones Cup. The Philippines also took home the gold medal in the 1985 William Jones Cup with a team that was playing under the San Miguel name. Cojuangco also backed the national team that ruled the basketball tournament in the 1986 Asian Games as well as the Asian Basketball Confederation Championship. 

Danding's name was also associated with the success of the San Miguel-backed teams in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) with three SMC teams combining for 53 PBA championships. 

In the collegiate ranks, Danding Cojuangco left a lasting imprint on the De La Salle basketball program he saw his stint with the Green Archers produce two University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) championships on top of multiple appearances in the Final Four. 

In a Twitter post, University of Santo Tomas coach Aldin Ayo, who steered La Salle to a championship in 2016, thanked his former boss for the opportunity Danding gave him while adding that he's forever grateful for the kindness and generosity that the late businessman has shown.

Multi-awarded Coach Jong Uichico also expressed his condolences towards Danding's passing.

"I am very grateful for having been associated with Boss Danding who in my experience treated us like family. My sincerest condolences and prayers to his family. Rest in peace, Boss Danding," Uichico said.

Eduardo "Danding" Cojuangco's legacy goes beyond the business success he achieved. As they say, "Money comes and goes" but Danding's legacy to Philippine basketball, that's something that is going to stay.  

Photo is from When in Manila