By JONAS TERRADO
For three cagers who starred in different generations, Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco meant more than being a team owner and basketball godfather.
“Without Boss Danding, there is no RB23,” said Ricardo Brown, who before winning the 1985 PBA Most Valuable Player for Great Taste was part of Cojuangco’s Northern Consolidated-backed national team.
“He was the type of boss that did not mince words. He let you know when he was disappointed but gave you credit and so much more when you delivered,” former San Miguel Beer star Danny Seigle said.
Cojuangco passed away Tuesday night at age of the 85, leaving behind a legacy of numerous PBA championships won by all San Miguel Corporation-owned, a couple of UAAP titles at La Salle, and, his personal pinnacle, success on the international scene via his NCC program in the 1980s.
“He was a great Godfather to us during my years playing for the Green and White,” said Alaska’s Jeron Teng, who gave La Salle two UAAP titles during Cojuangco’s return as chief benefactor.
Brown wrote a lengthy tribute to Cojuangco on Facebook on Wednesday, even mentioning how the sports patron graciously gave his blessing to allow the Fil-American guard to leave the NCC program and join the PBA in 1983.
Seigle, who started playing for San Miguel after Cojuangco reassumed chairmanship of SMC, said his relationship evolved through the years.
“He expected excellence because he wanted us to be the best. He took care of us like we were one of his own,” Seigle said.
“Our conversations evolved over the years, like our working relationship. From winning championships as his player almost two decades ago to discussing front office agenda, I enjoyed it all.
“But the time we spent together recently is what I consider most precious as he’d share his latest interests, random observations, nuggets of wisdom & reflections sourced from the hard knocks of experience,” added Seigle, who was La Salle’s head of basketball operations during last season’s UAAP.
Cojuangco’s support for his alma mater and the Green Archers through health problems and bad weather was something that left a lasting impression on Teng.
“Despite his health conditions, he always made us feel his presence and support for the basketball team. I will always remember the time when there was a strong typhoon back in year 2012, team practice was moved to LSGH (La Salle Greenhills) because of heavy flooding in different areas,” Teng said.
“Despite the typhoon and the flood, we saw boss ECJ entering the court to watch our practice and during that time he had an oxygen tank with him. The whole team was very surprised and we were all moved because his presence alone during that time really meant a lot to us.
This memory will always remain in my heart because he showed us that more than a team we are one family. Boss ECJ always provided us with the best of the best for the team. And for that, I will always be grateful,” Teng added.
