Happy Birthday, Ronald “Ronnie” Magsanoc ( Apr 11 )

Happy Birthday, Ronald “Ronnie” Magsanoc

Source : Assorted Magazines/SWM April 8 1988 (PBA Archives Collections)

The Point Laureate
3x PBA champion
1990 Asian Games silver medalist
1986 Asian Games “golden bronze” medalist
1986 UAAP champion
2012 NCAA champion as head coach

Ronald Magsanoc has always been associated with coach Joe Lipa. The association dates back five years ago when Magsanoc proved to be the willest point guard of the University of the Philippines Maroons. Lipa, himself, acknowledges that his protege is, perhaps, the most intelligent player he has ever coached. And in return, Magsanoc says he has learned everything there is to learn from Lipa. The Lipa-Magsanoc team-up produced one precious UAAP championship for the Maroons. That proved to be the sweetest title of all. Both were in the same boat at ESQ Marketing which won two championships under Lipa in the PABL. After that, Magsa noc drifted to two other ballclubs for a while Rizal Athletic Club and YCObefore the two were reunited anew at the Philips Sardines camp. One may also take note that Magsanoc became a national player when Lipa was tapped to coach the national team." And when Magsanoc decided to turn pro, naturally, he was picked up by Shell Helix coached by Lipa. Somehow, the situation points to favort ism. Some fans have and still are insinuat ing that this is so. But being Lipa's pet or not, Ronald Magsanoc definitely deserves the break. After all, he has worked so hard to get to where he is now. In Ronald's words: "Some people can be very offensive. They say paborito ako ni coach. Ang hindi nila alam, masakit din ang katawan ko. Handa naman akong umupo kung hindi ko kaya. Coach Lipa should never be blamed. Isa  pa, unfair din sa akin yon. Bakit, hindi ko ba pinaghirapan ang narating ko?" A Philosophy graduate of UP, the 21year old Magsanoc was not supposed to turn pro this year. In fact, he was consider. ing staying a year more in the amateur ranks. Earlier, Shell was trying to lure Fram Pumaren from San Miguel. But negotiation bogged down and so the Helix Oilers wer left short of a guard. Lipa approache Magsanoc who was then having dialogue with Purefoods bigwigs. And since th opportunity to play with 'his' coach pre sented itself, Magsanoc signed up wit Shell. But somehow, Ronald says, there is tinge of frustration in him after three game played with Shell. This is because the Hel Oilers have not yet won a single game as o this writing. And Magsanoc always has that winner's attitude in him. After all, he played for cham pionship teams during his amateur days. In 1982 and 1983, he led the San Beda Red Cubs to back-to-back titles in the junior division of the NCAA prior to SBC's with drawal from the league. He has won champ inships with ESQ Marketing, UP, YCO, and even the Philippine Constabulary in the AFP Olympics. "But I'm not giving up. Nag-uumpisa pa lang naman kami. There's still a long way to go. One thing good about this team is the camaraderie and respect accorded each other by the members. I think that is a guarantee for a better performance." For the record, of the eight rookies currently playing in the PBA's 14th season. Magsanoc is tops in Assists with a total of 16 in three games. He is also second in playing time with more than 30 minutes a game And he averages something like ten points a contest.