By JONAS TERRADO
Friends and fans are asking to provide support for former PBA player Terry Saldana, who is dealing with diabetes and kidney ailment.
A photo posted on Facebook showed the 63-year-old Saldana in a wheelchair with both his legs in terrible shape.
Saldana, who played 18 seasons for seven teams, is said to be staying at a friend’s house in Canlubang, Laguna.
The former Letran high school and University of Santo Tomas college standout began his PBA career by playing for the fabled Toyota franchise, but lost a chance to win the Rookie of the Year award after figuring in a brawl with guest team South Korea in the Invitational conference.
He then suited up for Gilbey’s Gin/Ginebra under playing coach Robert Jaworski from 1983-1987, followed by a one-year stint with Alaska in 1988, four seasons with Pop Cola/Sarsi/Swift from 1990-1993, Shell from 1994-1996, back with Gordon’s Gin/Ginebra from 1997-1998 before ending his career with expansion team Batang Red Bull in 2000.
Saldana also played for Toyota in the 2003 Reunion Game against archrival Crispa, claiming Most Valuable Player honors after posting 15 points, 15 rebounds, and two blocks.
But Saldana was best remembered in that game for taking shots at Crispa, sticking his tongue out at Atoy Co after converting a three-point opportunity before calling the Redmanizers as a team playing like “squatters” during the postgame interview.
Saldana’s most recent public appearance was when he served on the coaching staff of Wangs Basketball in the PBA D-League.
