MANILA, Philippines – One last time, the Philippine Basketball Association honored the late coaching legend Virgilio "Baby" Dalupan on Sunday, August 21, before Barangay Ginebra's game against Rain or Shine in the 2016 PBA Governors' Cup.
The league paid tribute to the multi-titled coach with a short ceremony commemorating his life and his contributions to Philippine basketball. The touching tribute ended with 4 generations of Dalupan's former players sounding one final buzzer in his honor.
Dalupan passed away at 92 on Wednesday, August 17, due to complications from pneumonia.
Pressing the final buzzer were league commissioner Chito Narvasa (who played for Dalupan from 1974 to 1976 with Ateneo), Atoy Co (who played for Dalupan from 1972 to 1982 with famed PBA team Crispa Redmanizers), Allan Caidic (who was part of Dalupan's Presto team from 1987 to 1989), and Alvin Patrimonio (who played under Dalupan from 1989 to 1991 with Purefoods).
The entire Barangay Ginebra team, led by team governor Alfrancis Chua and head coach Tim Cone – a longtime Dalupan fan – as well as Rain or Shine, led by coach Yeng Guiao, and Dalupan's family members took to center court for the emotional moment before a sizeable crowd.
(READ: Daughter shares what Baby Dalupan was like as a father, grandfather)
The PBA served as one of Dalupan's stomping grounds, where he won 15 championships and 9 with Crispa in what still remains as one of the golden eras in Philippine basketball.
(READ: Norman Black: No one can surpass Baby Dalupan)
It was the final buzzer in memory of a true legend, remembered not only for his extraordinary success on the court but also for his kind, humble nature as a mentor and father figure to his players off it.
But it won't be the last time stories about him will be heard. His legend will live on for generations to come.
– Rappler.com