MANILA – Businessman-sportsman Lucio “Bong” Tan Jr., head coach of the University of the East Red Warriors in the UAAP, passed away yesterday. He was 53.
Tan, son and namesake of tycoon Lucio Tan Sr., died at around 9 a.m., two days after being rushed to the hospital when he collapsed while playing basketball.
Tan, recently named president of the Philippine Airlines Holdings, collapsed on Saturday while playing for the Philippine Airlines team in the Pinoyliga Cup finals at the Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong City.
He was reportedly unconscious when brought to the hospital.
The cause of death hasn’t been revealed although sources said it was brain herniation.
Tan was a known basketball enthusiast. He revived the Tanduay basketball team during the 1990s in the Philippine Basketball League and later in the Philippine Basketball Association.
Tan also backed the Batangas team in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) and won a championship two years ago.
His last basketball venture was being the head coach of the Red Warriors in the ongoing UAAP Season 82 men’s basketball.
But while the younger Tan was designated as the Red Warriors’ head coach this UAAP season, it was team consultant Lawrence Chongson who is calling the shots for the team./PN
