IT was an end of an era for the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).
After 13 years of service, Renauld ‘Sonny’ Barrios finally retired as executive director of the country’s basketball federation.
What a memorable stint it was.
The SBP just appointed Erika Dy as its new executive director, replacing Barrios
Barrios’ stint as one of SBP’s trusted officials had its own ups and downs, but definitely the positives far outweighed the negatives.
First assuming the post under the term of then president Manny V. Pangilinan and vice president Ricky Vargas, the former PBA commissioner had the role cut out for him as he tirelessly worked in further promoting the sport.
His first major assignment was the country’s hosting of the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship - the country's first since the 1973 edition.
The hosting proved to be a resounding success that also saw Gilas Pilipinas ending the so-called 'Korean curse' after eliminating the Sokors in a dramatic semifinal win, 86-79, before bowing to Hamed Haddadi and Iran in the finals.
Nonetheless, the silver-medal finish gave the country a ticket to the FIBA World Cup for the first time after 36 years.
Gilas would be a World Cup fixture two more times after that, its last stint in Manila eventually becoming a precursor to its historic gold medal feat in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou China.
Under his watch, the SBP also hosted the 2018 FIBA 3x3 World Cup at the Philippine Arena, while multiple windows of both the FIBA Asia Cup and World Cup Asian qualifiers were also held in the country including one held in Clark, Pampanga under a bubble setup during the pandemic.
Gilas women get boost
During his term, the Gilas women's program also took a big leap that saw its promotion to Division A of the FIBA Women's Asia Cup, and finally nailed a breakthrough gold medal in the Southeast Asian Games held here in Manila five years ago.
"ED Sonny is an institution in Philippine basketball and an integral part of what we've built in the SBP," said federation president Al S. Panlilio.
"He was working in basketball in different capacities for more than three decades and that kind of experience was invaluable to helping the federation reach new heights."
At the same time, Barrios also devoted his time to the other basic aspects of the SBP such as the training of coaches, referees, and technical officials, promoting 3x3 and e-sports, and the investment in grassroots programs all over the country.
His final act with the SBP came during the country's co-hosting of the FIBA World Cup last year, where he served as event director.
READ Erika Dy named the new SBP executive director
"He is a calming presence during difficult times and a devout supporter of every single player who wore our country's colors," added Panlilio.
"He is also a valued member of the international basketball community, well respected by his peers all over the world. Although we will certainly miss his presence on a day-to-day capacity, we know he will always be there when we need his advice. The SBP wishes him the best of health. He'll always be part of the SBP family."
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