With love and gratitude from the Cebu basketball community, tributes overflow for legendary coach Agripino ‘Jun’ Noel who passed away at the age of 81 recently.
‘Rest in peace tito Junior, my coaching teacher. We worked for a long time, thank you for making me coach for 32 years,’ said veteran coach Bong Pineda, whose career was shaped by his uncle Jun.
‘Rest easy, coach tatay Jun Noel. Thank you sa pagsalig, pag-guide ug pag-mold nako as a player tay. Di nako maabot ang akong naabot ron sa basketball kung dili tungod nimo tay. I love you coach tatay!’ said Nichole John Ubalde, one of the players under the tutelage of Noel during his stint with the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) a decade ago.
Before taking the reins as USJ-R coach in 2013, Noel has already made a mark as a topnotch bench strategist with multiple championship titles under his belt.
He called the shots for Jojo Lastimosa, his brother Danny Lastimosa, Elmer ‘Boy’ Cabahug, Larry Villanil, Zaldy Realubit, Jerry Aratan, Titing Manalili, Ricric Marata, Paul Maninang, Yves Dignadice, Calvin Tuadles, and Paul Abais with Mama’s Love in the Philippine Amateur Basketball League (PABL) way back in 1985.
‘He was my first commercial coach in Cebu together with my brother (Danny). He was already a well-known coach in Cebu back then. He was very mild-mannered, never seemed to get upset in any situation and always ‘malambing’ with his tone,’ said Lastimosa in paying tribute to his mentor.
Ralph Baladjay Jr. shared:’Thank you coach for being a part in my life’s journey. From Mama’s Love, SWU Cobras, West Negros Mustangs. It was the training and discipline that has molded me and helped me in my career. Praying for the comfort and strength of his family.’
Noel guided Hapee Toothpaste in the PBL in 2007 and then the Misamis Oriental Meteors in Liga Pilipinas two years later.
‘Coach Jun was known for his discipline and dedication. He was always on time for practice, strict but fair, well-prepared for every game, and calm under pressure,’ said coach Bong Abad, Noel’s most trusted lieutenant with the Meteors from 2009 to 2013.
‘When I was given the opportunity to become his assistant coach, I grabbed it right away because I knew I would learn a lot from his coaching style and system. Every practice, game, and conversation was a chance to grow not just as a coach, but as a person.’
‘Thank you for everything, Coach Jun. You were like a second father to me. A true mentor who guided me with wisdom, patience, and passion. You taught me the value of discipline, teamwork, and humility both on and off the court. May your soul rest in peace,’ Abad added.
Of his shining accomplishments, Noel is best remembered for steering the Negros Slashers to epic championship triumphs over the Cebu Gems during their scathing rivarly at the height of Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA) fame nearly three decades ago.
‘A great coach never truly leaves the court, his lessons echo in every play, every huddle, and every heart he touched.Thank you for everything, Coach Jun Noel. Your guidance and passion will never be forgotten. May you rest in peace,’ said former USJ-R Jaguar Victor Nuñez in a heartfelt Facebook post.