Jan 3, 2021
TRIBUTES poured in for the late Ginebra player and former Ateneo stalwart Emilio ‘Nonoy’ Chuatico as news of his death in the US reached Manila on Saturday night.
From former teammates, colleagues, and even hardcourt rivals, everyone had nothing but praises for the 55-year-old Chuatico, who they described as a great leader on the court and a humble person off it.
The ‘Never Say Die’ and ‘One Big’ Fight’ for Chuatico finally came to an end just days into the New Year when he succumbed to the Big C in Atlanta, Georgia. He was 55.
“He was a great teammate and a vocal leader who would always give words of encouragement every time,” said Ginebra deputy Olsen Racela, who played alongside Chuatico during his rookie season in 1987 when the Blue Eagles won their first ever UAAP men’s basketball championship by beating University of the East in the finals.