'Botchok', ex-PBA star, dies

MANILA, Philippines - Valerio `Botchok’ Delos Santos, one of the pioneer players in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), died last Sunday following a heart attack.

He was 61.

His remains lie in state in Bangkulasi in Navotas City.

The 6-foot-1 guard was among the first players who suited up for Yco-Tanduay during the inaugural season of Asia’s first ever play-for-pay league in 1975 along with Abet Gutierrez, Rene Canent, Joy Cleofas and Marte Samson.

He played for sixth straight seasons from 1975-80, and then made a brief comeback in 1982. Other than Tanduay, he also suited up for San Miguel, Great Taste and Gilbey’s Gin, according to the PBA Annual.

Interment will be held on Nov. 28 in San Jose, Navotas.