LONG-time PBA team doctor Facundo Sun Jr, known for his work with fabled franchise Alaska and later with Converge, passed away on Monday (March 24) due to a lingering illness.
He was 74.
The Converge FiberXers team announced his passing on their official Facebook page.
Alaska OG
Sun was an original part of the Alaska organization when it entered Asia’s pioneering pro league back in 1986 all the way until 2022 when the team was brought by Converge ICT Solutions lock, stock, and barrel.
He stayed on with the FiberXers along with long-time partner and good friend team trainer Gus Vargas and other Alaska old timers that include coach Franco Atienza, deputy coaches Danny Ildefonso and Willie Miller, and CK Canapi-Daniolco, who is now co-team manager and alternate governor.
During his stay with the Alaska organization, he was also a part of the 14 championships the Aces won including a rare grand slam in 1996.
Canapi-Daniolco said former Alaska personnel Vargas, Franco, Gilas Pilipinas deputy coach Sean Chambers, TNT team manager Jojo Lastimosa, and Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard Bachmann even paid Sun a visit on Sunday just before he died.
Alaska team owner Wilfred Uytengsu also called Sun from abroad during the group’s visit, so did former team manager Joaqui Trillo and ex-head coach Luigi Trillo, who is now head coach of Meralco.
“He is like my second father kasi siya ang kasama ko dito sa office (Converge) the whole time,” Canapi-Daniolco said.
She referred to Sun as the ‘team clown,’ “kasi tawa lang siya ng tawa.”
Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone, who worked with Sun at Alaska for a long time, also paid tribute to his former colleague.
“Heartbroken to hear the passing of my good friend and colleague at Alaska, Dr. Jun Sun,” Cone posted on X (formerly Twittter).
“He, Gus and Mike represented everything that was good during those Alaska years. I learned so much from him and them. We will miss you, Doc.”
Chambers likewise expressed his appreciation to Sun for everything the doctor did to him during his stay with Alaska.
“Dr. Dr Sun always treated me like a son and always greeted me with a big smile, saying, “Hey Sean~O,” said the former Alaska resident import and now head coach of Far Eastern University.
“Who can forget the 24-hour treatment on my sprained ankle during the grand slam, and the two Snickers and two Coca-Colas provided for me for every game. You always ensured I was comfortable on any out-of-town trips to the provinces,” he added.
”You were more than a team doctor; you were family, and you’re gonna be sorely missed. Love you, Doc, rest in peace."
His wake starts March 26-27 at the Santa Maria della Strada Parish Katipunan Ave. Quezon City.
Memorial service is on March 28, with the inurnment to be held at the Christ the King Parish in Green Meadows shortly after the 10 a.m. Holy Mass at the Santa Maria della Strada Parish.
Details of his wake will be announced by the family later.
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