Former basketball coach, BEST Center founder Nic Jorge dies at 78

Former Philippine basketball coach Nic Jorge passed away on Saturday morning. He was 78.

In a blog post, the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) confirmed Nic’s passing and offered their condolences.

Nic was a grassroots basketball advocate and was also the founder of the pioneering sports clinic Basketball Efficiency and Scientific Training (BEST) Center.

This center launched the careers of many players who later on became PBA stars, including Benjie Paras, Jerry Codinera, Kiefer Ravena, and Chris Tiu.

According to PBA, Nic was also the coach of the Philippine men’s basketball team when the country hosted the FIBA World Cup in 1978.

He served as the University of the Philippines Maroons’ coach at just the age of 21.

He is survived by his wife Marilyn, and his children, Nick, Veronica, Victor and Monica, and grandsons Niccolo and Enzo. – Kaela Malig/RC, GMA News