Filed Under: Basketball
MANILA, Philippines - Fortunato “Atoy” Co Jr. is most remembered in professional basketball as one of the 25 greatest players to have played in PBA, a member of the legendary Crispa franchise that won two grand slams in 1976 and 1983.
So how was life like for Atoy Co after his professional years as a basketball player?
After retiring from the PBA, Co entered the political arena serving as councilor in Pasig City from 1998 to 2007. He said he was able conduct basketball camps for the youth whenever he had time.
During his heyday, the six-foot-two swingman was recognized for his fadeaway jumpers and three-pointers - serving as a vehicle for local fans to see these type of moves, then seen only in the NBA, reincarnated on local TV.
Co played for the Mapua Generals (now Cardinals) in college and earned the nickname "Fortune Cookie", which he carried with him when he entered the PBA.
Now at the age of 58, Co admitted that his love for his alma mater never faded despite Mapua's poor showing in this year's NCAA basketball tournament.
“It’s horrible and it’s sad that they (MIT) lost veteran players this season plus the fact that they lack shooters and the team’s weak spot is in the center,” he said.
The Cardinals are currently toting a 1-12 slate.
“But I’m sure just give them some time and they can be better soon. Basketball is about ups and downs,” he quickly added. Co gets to show his loyalty vising Mapua whenever he has a chance to, especially on school celebrations.
The PBA Hall of Famer feels proud of what he has achieved and has no regrets about committing almost all his life to basketball.
“I never imagined that I would reach the highest level of basketball in the country and I don’t regret anything because I know I’ve done what I needed to do when I was younger," he said.
"I can say that basketball has made me a total person as 75 percent of my life has been dedicated here.”
Asked how the PBA differs now from his time, Co noted basketball today is more defined and scientific unlike before when a player must be familiar in playing all five positions on the court.
“Now it is easier because each player has position and the coach will just tell you what to do," he noted.
"Before we have to know and play different positions. The coach will just tell us that we have to win and the rest of the responsibility relies on us.”