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Long-time Purefoods forward Evangelista retires


MANILA, Philippines – The ranks of the so-called “senior citizens" in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) has diminished once again. Long-time Purefoods forward Rey Evangelista formally retired from playing and will now be part of the Giants’ coaching staff when the PBA opens its 34th season on October 4. The six-foot-three former University of Santo Tomas stalwart played a total of 19 games in the recently concluded 2007-08 PBA season having per game averages of 2.7 points, 1.5 rebounds in 9.6 minutes. Overall, in a career that spanned 15 years, the 36-year-old Cebu City native and cousin of Talk `N Text guard Patrick Fran averaged 7.5 points and 5.3 rebounds. Until his retirement, Evangelista is considered among the most veteran in the league along with San Miguel’s Olsen Racela, Ginebra’s Johnny Abarrientos and Rodney Santos, Fran and the Sta. Lucia duo of Marlou Aquino and Dennis Espino. Drafted as the second overall pick by Purefoods in 1994, behind Noli Locsin (Ginebra), Evangelista lost to Boybits Victoria for the 1994 Rookie of the Year award. He spent his entire PBA career with Purefoods, winning four championships while playing in five finals appearances. Evangelista was a member of the league’s all-time defensive team for three straight seasons (2000-02). A five-time all-star, he is also a member of the 1,000 offensive rebound and 2,000 defensive rebound clubs. A member of the champion UST team that completed a historic 14-game sweep of the 1993 UAAP season, Evangelista is one of five Giants no longer suiting up for Purefoods starting this season along with Noy Castillo, Brandon Cablay, Ardy Larong, Robert Sanz and Omanzie Rodriguez. As part of Ryan Gregorio’s coaching staff, Evangelista will work as assistant together with Ronnie Magsanoc, Koy Banal and Dayong Mendoza. – GMANews.TV

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