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Noli Locsin
Noli Locsin
Noli Locsin
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Luis Manuel Bespejo Locsin (born October 19, 1971), better known as Noli Locsin, is a Filipino retired professional basketball player.[1][2] Dubbed as "The Tank", He is best known for his playing years with the Ginebra San Miguel franchise in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

Key Information

Playing career

[edit]

Locsin played for the RP Youth team in 1990 before suiting up for back-to-back UAAP titlist De La Salle Green Archers. He had a brief stint with Triple-V Foodmasters in the Philippine Basketball League prior to its disbandment and then played for Nikon Electric Fan which completed a cinderella finish in the PBL.

When 6-9 Marlou Aquino, the most sought-after rookie, was out of the picture in the 1994 PBA draft, Ginebra, now renamed Tondeña 65, and the team that will pick first in the amateur draft, went for the next best option in Noli Locsin, a burly 6-3 power forward who can barrel his way into the toughest walls of the defenders.

He showed the Tondeña ballclub that it made the right choice when he emerged as the team's leading scorer and the league's leading local rebounder with his rookie season averages of 18.5 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists in 34.9 minutes.[3] His stats are not enough through as Tondeña's struggles continued, winning just 12 of their 32 games in the 1994 season.

Playing for player-coach Robert Jaworski's "never-say-die" system, he flourished playing power forward while being undersized at only 6-3 without being able to develop outside shooting. A consistent low post threat, Locsin closed the size gap with his strength and skill although he began to fade out as soon as he parted ways with Jaworski.[4] Before the arrival of Fil-Ams in the PBA, Locsin was considered one of the top bruisers of his time in a time when it was rare for a Filipino player with his bulk to move as quick and leap as he did. Locsin was then traded to Pop Cola in the mid-season in 1999 for Vergel Meneses. He drifted to other PBA teams such as Tanduay and Red Bull before retiring.

PBA career statistics

[edit]
Legend
  GP Games played  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field-goal percentage  3P%  3-point field-goal percentage  FT%  Free-throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high

[5]

Season-by-season averages

[edit]
Year Team GP MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
1994 Tondeña 32 34.9 .532 .222 .617 8.8 2.9 .8 .8 18.5
1995 Ginebra 29 36.3 .499 .111 .684 10.6 2.6 .4 .7 17.6
1996 Ginebra 64 32.5 .530 .222 .636 7.1 2.5 .7 .5 15.5
1997 Gordon's Gin 66 32.5 .504 .188 .682 7.5 2.8 .6 .3 13.1
1998 Gordon's Gin / Ginebra 31 28.1 .514 .167 .634 5.6 2.3 .8 .5 11.4
1999 Barangay Ginebra 39 38.4 .458 .333 .500 7.9 2.8 .4 .6 13.9
Pop Cola
2000 Pop Cola / Sunkist 34 33.2 .446 .222 .532 5.2 2.8 .3 .5 8.5
2001 Tanduay 37 26.0 .473 .000 .519 6.1 1.2 .4 .4 8.1
2002 Red Bull 32 9.6 .437 .000 .500 1.6 .7 .2 .1 2.9
2003 Talk 'N Text 26 8.2 .424 .000 .500 2.0 .6 .1 .0 3.1
2004–05 Sta. Lucia 24 10.5 .350 — .316 2.2 .6 .2 .0 2.6
Alaska
Career 413 28.2 .493 .200 .614 6.2 2.1 .5 .4 11.3

References

[edit]
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Noli Locsin

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from Grokipedia
Luis Manuel Bespejo Locsin (born October 19, 1971), better known as Noli Locsin or by his nickname "The Tank", is a Filipino retired professional player who spent the majority of his career as a / for the franchise in the . Born in Bacolod, Negros Occidental, Locsin honed his skills playing college basketball for the De La Salle Green Archers before entering the professional ranks. He was selected as the first overall pick in the 1994 PBA draft by the Tondena 65 Rhum Masters (a Ginebra predecessor team), marking the start of a 12-season career that ran from 1994 to 2005. During his tenure, primarily with (after various team name changes), Locsin became a fan favorite known for his physical, relentless playing style that earned him the moniker. He contributed to two PBA championships, winning the 1997 Commissioner's Cup and the 2002 Commissioner's Cup. Locsin's individual accolades include selections to the PBA Mythical Second Team in 1996 and 1997, five PBA All-Star appearances (1994–1997, 1999), and the 1997 All-Star Game MVP award. Post-retirement, he has remained involved in , participating in events like the 2025 NBA Legends Cup in his hometown of alongside other basketball greats.

Early life and education

Birth and family background

Luis Manuel Bespejo Locsin was born on October 19, 1971, in , , . Specific details about his immediate family are scarce in public records. Growing up in , Locsin was exposed from a young age to local basketball leagues and the sport's popularity in the region, which helped foster his passion for the game.

Youth development and high school basketball

Locsin developed an early interest in during his childhood in , , inspired by the vibrant local leagues. His talent was nurtured through participation in age-group amateur leagues organized by the Negros Basketball Association, the oldest basketball organization in , where he was discovered during grassroots efforts to promote the sport in the region. Attending high school at Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod, Locsin emerged as a promising talent in regional tournaments, focusing on building his physical presence and fundamental skills. During his teenage years, he grew to a height of 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m), developing the strength and rebounding prowess that would later define his playing style and earn him the nickname "The Tank."

Amateur career

College basketball at De La Salle University

Noli Locsin enrolled at and joined the Green Archers basketball team for the 1990–91 UAAP Season 53, marking his entry into during a dominant era for the program. The Green Archers, fresh off their Season 52 championship, relied on Locsin's addition to bolster their frontcourt as they pursued a repeat title. Despite facing a mid-season eligibility challenge that resulted in the forfeiture of three early wins, the team regrouped and advanced to the finals against the Red Warriors, ultimately securing the back-to-back championship with a decisive victory in the series-clinching game. As a , Locsin quickly established himself as a key interior presence, leveraging his robust physical build—often described as hefty and wide—to excel in rebounding and defensive assignments. His role was pivotal in controlling the , where he disrupted opponents' offenses and provided second-chance opportunities for his teammates during critical matchups. Throughout the season, Locsin's contributions helped maintain the Green Archers' competitive edge, particularly in high-stakes games against rivals like the and Growling Tigers, where his tenacity under the boards proved instrumental in sustaining momentum. In the championship finals against UE, Locsin delivered standout performances that underscored his value to the team, including strong rebounding efforts that limited the Warriors' fast breaks and complemented the scoring of stars like . His defensive prowess was especially notable in containing UE's interior threats, contributing to La Salle's ability to overcome the earlier setbacks and repeat as UAAP . Following this successful freshman year, Locsin continued to anchor the frontcourt in the 1991–92 season, helping sustain the program's contention in the league despite not capturing another title that year. Transitioning from high school basketball to the UAAP's elevated physicality and strategic depth, Locsin adapted swiftly, drawing on his established rebounding instincts to make an immediate impact at the collegiate level. This adjustment allowed him to integrate seamlessly into Coach Franz Pumaren's system, where his defensive reliability became a cornerstone of the Green Archers' title defense.

National youth team participation

Locsin was selected to represent the as part of the RP Youth team in 1990, competing in the Under-18 Championship held in , from August 25 to September 2. The team advanced to the semifinals but lost to the host before securing fourth place overall after a narrow defeat to in the game. Playing as a forward alongside future PBA stars like and , Locsin gained essential international exposure that bridged his amateur development to professional readiness. After his college tenure, he had a brief appearance with the Triple-V Foodmasters in the during the 1993 season, offering further competitive experience prior to entering the PBA Draft.

Professional career

1994 PBA Draft and rookie year

Locsin was chosen as the No. 1 overall pick by the Tondeña 65 Rhum Masters in the 1994 PBA draft, a selection that highlighted his reputation as a dominant forward from . Entering the league at 6 feet 3 inches and known for his robust physique, he quickly earned the nickname "The Tank" for his bulldozing drives to the basket and physical presence in the paint. Expectations were high for Locsin to bolster a Tondeña team seeking to rebuild its frontcourt, with his college pedigree fueling hype as a potential franchise cornerstone. In his season, Locsin adapted swiftly to the professional level, showcasing his scoring prowess and rebounding tenacity across the All-Filipino, Commissioner's, and Governor's Cups. He appeared in 32 games, averaging 18.5 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game while shooting 53.2% from the field. Despite the team's struggles, finishing without a playoff berth in any conference, Locsin's consistent double-digit scoring and defensive contributions marked him as one of the draft's immediate impacts, earning him a spot on the 1994 PBA All-Star roster as the lone rookie representative. His debut highlighted a smooth transition to the pro pace, with early games demonstrating his ability to exploit mismatches inside against established big men.

Tenure with Ginebra San Miguel franchise

Locsin began his professional career with the Tondeña 65 Rhum Masters, which evolved into the franchise, serving as a foundational from 1994 to 1999 under playing-coach . As a core member of the team's frontcourt, he embodied the franchise's fast-paced, "never-say-die" style, providing relentless rebounding and interior scoring that complemented Jaworski's high-tempo system. During this period, Ginebra transitioned from early-1990s struggles to renewed contention, with Locsin's physical presence helping stabilize the lineup amid roster changes and the integration of young talents. Locsin reached his peak with the franchise in the and seasons, earning PBA Mythical Second Team selections both years for his consistent double-digit scoring and rebounding contributions. In , he averaged 15.5 points and 7.1 rebounds per game across 64 outings, anchoring Ginebra's resurgence to a 35-29 overall record. His partnerships with guards Bal David, known as "The Flash" for his speed, and shooter formed a dynamic core that emphasized transition play and perimeter support for Locsin's post work, enabling the team to challenge established powers like and Purefoods. The highlight of Locsin's Ginebra tenure came in the 1997 Commissioner's Cup, where he played a pivotal role in the Gordon's Gin Boars' championship run, defeating the Milkmen 4-2 in to end a five-year title drought. As an undersized but tenacious 6-foot-3 nicknamed "The Tank," Locsin provided gritty interior defense and rebounding alongside import Chris King and center , who earned Finals MVP honors. In the series, he delivered standout performances, including 25 points in Game 1 of the 1997 All-Filipino Cup and 18 points in Game 4 of the Commissioner's Cup , helping Ginebra overcome rivalries with teams like through physical, high-energy play. His efforts underscored the team's blend of veteran leadership from Jaworski and emerging stars, solidifying Ginebra's identity as a resilient contender.

Later career moves and retirement

In 1999, Locsin was traded from Barangay Ginebra to the in exchange for during the mid-season, marking the end of his primary tenure with the franchise. He spent the remainder of the 1999 season and the full 2000 season with Pop Cola, contributing as a key forward in their campaigns. Following his time with Pop Cola, Locsin joined the for the 2001 PBA season, where he appeared in 37 games and provided veteran presence in the frontcourt alongside emerging talents. In 2002, he signed with the Barako team, experiencing a career resurgence during the Commissioner's Cup; Locsin played a pivotal role in their seven-game finals victory over the Talk 'N Text Phone Pals, securing his second PBA and helping establish Red Bull as a contender. Locsin continued as a journeyman in the ensuing years, moving to the Talk 'N Text Phone Pals for the 2003 season before signing with the in 2004. He remained with Sta. Lucia into 2005, appearing in limited action as his role diminished due to age-related physical decline after over a decade in the league. Locsin concluded his career with a brief stint at the Alaska Aces later that year, playing sparingly in what would be his final professional games. At age 33, he retired following the 2005 season, ending a 12-season PBA career that saw him transition from a star with Ginebra to a reliable veteran across multiple franchises.

Career statistics and accomplishments

PBA regular season and playoff averages

Noli Locsin competed in the (PBA) for 12 seasons from 1994 to 2005, accumulating career regular season averages of 11.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game across 413 appearances. His scoring and rebounding output peaked during his early years with the Ginebra franchise, where he established himself as a dominant , often exceeding 15 points and 7 rebounds per game in key seasons. Following the 2000 season, Locsin's role shifted to that of a contributor on multiple teams, resulting in a noticeable decline in per-game production to under 9 points and 6 rebounds on average. The following table summarizes Locsin's regular season performance metrics year by year, drawing from compiled PBA records; data for assists and some rebound totals are unavailable for select seasons, including full metrics for 1997.
YearTeamGPPPGRPGAPG
1994Tondena 65 Rhum Masters-18.58.82.9
19952917.610.62.6
19966415.57.12.5
1997Gordon's Gin Boars----
1998Gordon's Gin Boars / 3111.45.62.3
1999Pop Cola3914.08.02.8
2000Pop Cola338.55.22.8
2001378.16.11.2
2002 Thunder322.91.60.7
2003Talk 'N Text Phone Pals253.2--
2004–05 Aces242.62.10.6
Locsin's playoff contributions mirrored his regular season trends, with stronger outputs in his prime years supporting Ginebra's 1997 Commissioner's Cup championship run, though detailed per-game playoff averages across his career remain less comprehensively documented in available records.

Major awards and championships

Locsin captured two PBA championships during his professional career. His first title came with the Boars in the 1997 Commissioner's Cup, where the team defeated the Alaska Milkmen in six games, with Locsin contributing key rebounding and interior scoring alongside . His second championship was achieved with the Thunder in the 2002 Commissioner's Cup, prevailing in a seven-game finals series against the Talk 'N Text Phone Pals, bolstered by reinforcements like import Davonn Harp. On the individual front, Locsin earned two selections to the PBA Mythical Second Team in 1996 and 1997. The Mythical Teams honor the league's top performers, selected through votes from the PBA Press Corps (media members) based on a player's overall statistical output, impact on team success, and on-court contributions during the season; the top 10 vote-getters form the Mythical Ten, divided into first and second teams of five players each. These accolades highlighted Locsin's emergence as a dominant , averaging double-doubles in scoring and rebounding those seasons to anchor Ginebra's frontcourt. Locsin also participated in multiple PBA All-Star Games, showcasing his athleticism, including a co-championship in the 1996 All-Star Slam Dunk Contest alongside . selections typically combine fan voting via ballots and online polls with input from team governors and the , emphasizing popularity and performance. These honors solidified Locsin's reputation as one of the PBA's premier forwards in the , blending physicality with skill to influence games at both ends of the floor.

Legacy and post-playing career

Playing style and influence

Noli Locsin earned the nickname "The Tank" for his burly, muscular build and relentless physicality on the court, allowing him to bulldoze through taller opponents despite standing at just 6 feet 3 inches tall. This moniker highlighted his durability and aggressive style, evoking the image of an unstoppable force in the paint, much like a tank charging forward without yielding. Locsin's playing style centered on interior dominance as an undersized , excelling as an inside scorer and elite rebounder who compensated for his height with superior strength, quickness, and tenacity. He was renowned for his low-post prowess, using double-pump moves, powerful drives, and finishes through heavy contact to score efficiently beneath the rim, while his limited range beyond the paint forced defenses to focus on containing his physical assaults. As a rebounder, he led the Ginebra franchise in the category during multiple 1990s seasons, averaging 6.2 rebounds per game across his career, with a particular knack for offensive boards that fueled second-chance opportunities. His ability to handle the ball and transition quickly for his size added versatility, making him a formidable presence in the physical era of PBA . Locsin's influence extended beyond statistics, as he embodied and helped popularize the franchise's "" ethos through his unyielding effort and toughness, inspiring fans and teammates during the team's challenging mid- campaigns. His role in the league's rough-and-tumble era underscored the value of grit over size, paving the way for undersized forwards to thrive via sheer willpower. Often compared to NBA legend for his rebounding dominance and bullying style against bigger players, Locsin mentored emerging forwards on Ginebra rosters by demonstrating how physicality and hustle could elevate a team's competitiveness.

Post-retirement involvement and family

After retiring from the (PBA) following the 2004–05 season at the age of 33, Noli Locsin chose a low-profile transition, stepping away from competitive play without fanfare or public announcements. Locsin is married to Maita Locsin, and the couple has four children: Alex, Gabe, Basti, and Seth. Their son Basti, born in 2001, emerged as a promising young player while attending La Salle Greenhills, where he participated in youth tournaments and expressed aspirations to follow in his father's footsteps by playing for the Ginebra franchise. In recent years, Locsin has remained connected to through occasional alumni events and exhibitions, including a participation in the 2025 AcroCity NBA Legends Cup in , where he teamed up with fellow greats such as and for a nostalgic reunion game that drew local crowds and honored regional hoops heritage. He has also joined past reunions, like the 2019 Gordon's Gin alumni gathering with former teammates Bal David and , showcasing the enduring "Never Say Die" spirit of his playing days. Beyond these, Locsin contributes to community efforts in development by appearing in local initiatives and exhibitions that promote the sport among youth, though no formal coaching roles or major business ventures in the field have been documented.

References

  1. https://www.tcdb.com/Person.cfm/pid/130226/Noli-Locsin
  2. https://www.onesports.ph/pba/article/14325/ginebra-icon-noli-locsin-recalls-near-mythical-popularity-of-pba-legend-robert-jaworski
  3. https://www.spin.ph/basketball/noli-locsin-negros-greats-play-in-nba-legends-cup-a1373-20250205
  4. https://www.spin.ph/life/guide/top-pba-draft-classes-a2437-20200317-lfrm
  5. https://www.project-sydrified.com/pba-stats-noli-locsin
  6. https://www.philstar.com/sports/2020/07/23/2030071/negros-hoops-pillar-who-discovered-noli-locsin-rudy-distrito-passes-away
  7. https://www.sunstar.com.ph/bacolod/sports/negros-sportsmen-patrons-recognized
  8. https://www.sunstar.com.ph/more-articles/former-uno-r-wnu-cagers-join-pba-draft
  9. https://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/is-rookie-alvin-pasaol-the-tank-2-0-meralco-coach-norman-black-weighs-in-a793-20210430
  10. http://rpbasketballphotos.blogspot.com/2011/11/season-53-de-la-salle-repeats-as-uaap.html
  11. https://thelasallian.com/2014/12/22/looking-back-legendary-movers-of-la-salles-court/
  12. https://www.interbasket.net/forum/threads/philippine-national-teams-past-and-present.2560113/page-3
  13. https://rivalrynetwork.com/the-rivalry-lists-the-top-five-pba-players-from-san-beda-university/
  14. https://www.espn.com/basketball/pba/story/_/id/29273866/olsen-racela-bal-david-biggest-pba-draft-steals-1991-1996
  15. http://www.worldhoopstats.com/stats/pba-ph/noli-locsin.html
  16. https://www.espn.com/basketball/pba/story/_/id/26468475/a-look-back-ginebra-40-years-pba
  17. https://philippinebasketball.neocities.org/pba/season/1996/1996ginsea
  18. https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/bal-david-vince-hizon-noli-locsin-make-gordons-reunion/141171
  19. https://www.espn.com/basketball/pba/story/_/id/24205205/gordon-gin-boars-last-ginebra-team-win-pba-commissioner-cup
  20. https://www.espn.ph/basketball/pba/story/_/id/28980003/patrimonio-codinera-other-memorable-pba-frontcourt-tandems
  21. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/sports/content/201544/pba-top-rookie-picks-the-good-the-bad-and-the-outstanding-part-2/story/
  22. https://www.espn.com/basketball/pba/story/_/id/28989997/red-bull-sta-lucia-smb-titles-2000s-list-memorable-finals
  23. https://www.philstar.com/sports/2002/01/22/147933/calaguio-inks-p14-m-deal-shell-locsin-red-bull
  24. https://www.espn.com/basketball/pba/story/_/id/28980003/patrimonio-codinera-other-memorable-pba-frontcourt-tandems
  25. https://fastbreak.com.ph/throwback-the-ageless-hulk-meets-the-tank/hoop-snoop/
  26. https://www.espn.com/basketball/pba/story/_/id/33972742/scottie-thompson-tops-philippines-basketball-association-mvp-race-coaches-poll
  27. https://philippinebasketball.neocities.org/pba.past1996season
  28. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uRP-Cq7MJM
  29. https://www.philstar.com/the-freeman/cebu-sports/2020/06/04/2018579/name-calling
  30. https://8list.ph/ginebra-champions-2016-never-say-die/
  31. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BiIZKSdSEw
  32. https://www.spin.ph/basketball/matthew-aquino-dave-ildefonso-basti-locsin-kenji-duremdes-jai-esplana-second-generation-players-pba-basketball-uaap
  33. https://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/basti-locsin-noli-locsin-la-salle-greenhills-milcu-got-skills-challenge-ginebra-robert-jaworski
  34. https://www.philstar.com/sports/2025/02/20/2422894/duremdes-locsin-ravena-headline-legends-cup-bacolod
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