The Filipino-Chinese Veterans Basketball Association hopes to regain its dominance in the 65-years-and-above division when the ASEAN Veterans Basketball Tournament stages its 28th edition from Oct. 28 to Nov. 2 in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
FCVBA’s reign in the annual event came to an ugly end last year when it lost its 60-and-above and 65-and-above titles, prompting the association’s “godfathers” Terry Que of Rain or Shine and Jimi Lim of Ironcon Builders to beef up their roster with PBA veterans this time.
Last year’s edition marked the first time that FCVBA failed to win a title in any of the three age categories.
Aside from Lim and Que, other members of the team are former Crispa enforcer Bong dela Cruz, Ching Ka Lee, Antonio Go, Zotico Tan, William Lao, Alfonso Kaw, Andrew Ongteco, Joel Gomez and Roberto Poblete.
Lee skippered the Adamson Falcons during 1970 UAAP, Gomez saw action for Crispa while Poblete played for ITM in the MICAA days.
The association, however, will not field in the 60s.
FCVBA has a rich winning tradition in the league, stamping its class not only in the 65 and 60 but also in the 50-and-above.
When it hosted the event three years ago, it won all four age categories as Kenneth Duremdes led the 40-and-above squad to the championship.
PBA four-time MVP Alvin Patrimonio, Allan Caidic and Jerry Codinera suited up for the 50s that easily topped their division.