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MANILA, Philippines – Ron Jacobs, the American basketball coach who introduced new tactics to Philippine basketball during the 80s and 90s, has died at age 72, according to media reports. No official cause of death has been reported, but Jacobs had been left unable to walk or speak following a stroke in 2001.
The news, which was first reported by Quinito Henson, comes on Thursday, December 24 -Christmas Eve – just 3 days before his 73rd birthday. Henson reports that he died at 8:30 p.m. in Makati.
Sad to report Ron Jacobs passed away tonite at 830 in Makati, he would’ve turned 73 on Dec 27-he was a great basketball coach n dear friend
— Quinito Henson (@TheDeanQuinito) December 24, 2015Jacobs, a native of North Carolina, forged his reputation as a coach at Loyola Marymount University in California before being recruited to coach the Philippine national team in 1980.
His credentials as Philippine National Team coach include winning the 1982 Asian Basketball Confederation Youth title, 1985 William Jones Cup, and the 1985 ABC title, which is a precursor to the FIBA Asia Championship, according to his Wikipedia page.
Jacobs briefly coached the Philippine Basketball Association’s San Miguel Beermen in 1997-98, revitalizing the team to a pair of third placed finishes and earning the PBA Coach of the Year award.
Olsen Racela, who played underneath Jacobs with San Miguel, tweeted his condolences after the news broke: “RIP Coach Ron Jacobs. You were more than just a coach to all of your players. Thank you for believing in me. I will forever be grateful.”
RIP Coach Ron Jacobs. You were more than just a coach to all of your players. Thank you for believing in me. I will forever be grateful
— Olsen Racela (@thebigOls) December 24, 2015In 2010, Henson wrote that Jacobs “revolutionized Philippine basketball by introducing tactics, strategies and techniques to the game and opened career opportunities for players and coaches alike.”
He leaves behind a wife, Menen. – Rappler.com
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