By JONAS TERRADO
Former Ateneo and PBA player Emilio “Nonoy” Chuatico passed away on Saturday in the United States on at the age of 55 due to cancer.
Chuatico was best remembered for his part in the Blue Eagles’ first two UAAP championships in the late-1980s before playing for Ginebra and Purefoods in the PBA in the 90s.
He also donned the national colors in the 1991 Southeast Asian Games that saw the Philippines regain the gold medal before a big crowd at the Araneta Coliseum.
“A great teammate and a vocal leader who would always give words of encouragement. I will forever appreciate Noy and his guidance. Rest well, Manong,” said Barangay Ginebra San Miguel assistant coach Olsen Racela as quoted by the PBA’s official website.
Racela was among Chuatico’s teammates during Ateneo’s run to the UAAP title in 1987 and 1988, defeating University of the East and archrival La Salle.
Chuatico was the last pick of the first round of the 1992 PBA draft, being selected eighth overall by Ginebra.
His PBA stint didn’t last long, averaging 5.0 points in four seasons with Ginebra and Purefoods.
