The Filipino-Chinese Veterans Basketball Association (FCVBA), bannered by former PBA hotshots, leaves for Brunei today to defend its three titles in the four-day 21st Asean Veterans Basketball Tournament starting on Thursday.
Lim Eng Beng, honored by PBA as one of the 25 Greatest Players 12 years ago, spearheads the back-to-back bid of FCVBA’s 60-years-old and above team along with Welcoat House Paints co-owner Terry Que, former Crispa enforcer Bong de la Cruz and MICAA veteran Zotico Tan.
Aside from the 60-year crown, FCVBA, according to its president Jimmi Lim of Ironcon Builders, is also out to defend its titles in the 40 years and 50 years and above divisions of the annual tournament that gathers more than 20 teams from the region.
Aside from Que and Lim, the other “godfather” of the association is Edward Tio of Freego who is the playing-coach of the 50-year division. Tio will be assisted by Joel Yap and Edward Ong.
FCVBA’s 50-year squad is gunning for a record fourth straight championship that is why Tio is pulling all the stops in the hope of extending their reign.
While they won their titles via a sweep last year, Que, Lim and Tio expect a rough sailing this time, believing their rivals have also firmed up their respective rosters to end their domination.
Seven-footer EJ Fiehl and former La Salle star Johnedel Cardel will spearhead the back-to-back bid of its 40-years-and-above team along with Achit Kaw and Bong Tan.
Expected to provide firepower for the 50s are Elmer Reyes, Gabby Velasco, Kenneth Yap, Rudy Yu, Terry Saldana and former Letran star Jerry Gonzales while the ther members of the 50 years are former Crispa back-up center Noli Banate, Julio Cruz, Conrad Siy and Morris Lee while Peter Ley, Jimmy Ley and Antonio Go will provide additional power for the Que-led 60 years squad.