Oliver Agapito resharpens his basketball form with Masters Pinoy

After stepping away from the basketball scene for quite some time, Oliver Agapito is now recalibrating his skills with Masters Pinoy Pilipinas Basketball, set to compete in the World Masters Tournament from May 17-30, 2025.

In an exclusive interview with Scoreline.ph, Agapito shared his basketball journey, life beyond the sport, and how he found himself drawn back to the game.

During his prime, Agapito played for the College of St. Benilde before moving on to the Philippine Basketball League (PBL), where he suited up for Burger Machine Chicken Masters, Chowking Food Masters, and Welcoat Paints.

He later joined the Pangasinan Presidents in the Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA) before transferring to the Batangas Blades the following year. In 2001, the 6-foot-6 power forward/center was selected as the 11th overall pick by the Tanduay Rhum Masters in the PBA Draft. However, his stint with the team lasted only one season as the franchise disbanded.

Agapito then joined Red Bull, where he won his lone PBA championship.

“I was lucky that they took me after I tried out for Coach Yeng Guiao’s Red Bull,” Agapito recalled in Filipino.

The soft-spoken pride of Narra, Palawan, also looked back at his time with Sta. Lucia in a lighthearted manner.

“My last two years in the PBA were with Sta. Lucia. Honestly, I don’t know what happened with Red Bull. Maybe they thought I went abroad, so they didn’t contact me. That’s why they were shocked to see me with the Realtors during the season opening,” he said with a laugh.

Known for his defensive prowess, Agapito was asked about the toughest opponents he had to guard. Without hesitation, he named Eric Menk, Danny Ildefonso, and Bong Hawkins.

“I played power forward and center, so I had to defend guys like Eric Menk. Guarding him was like hitting a cement wall. Then there’s Danny Ildefonso, and Bong Hawkins, who was tricky because he played 'kontra-tyempo' (offbeat). He could score from both inside and outside, making him difficult to defend,” Agapito explained.

When asked about the basketball icon he would love to have dinner with, he immediately mentioned "The Skywalker" Samboy Lim.

“One of my idols – Kuya Samboy. He was so kind, humble, and an amazing player on and off the court. His work ethic was unmatched,” Agapito said of the PBA legend, who passed away in December 2023.

He also reminisced about the fond memories he shared with Lim, recalling their friendly banter.

As he transitions to playing for Masters Pinoy, Agapito hopes to embody the "go hard" mentality that Lim instilled in him and bring that same energy to the international stage against fellow 45-and-up competitors.

“I hope our chemistry will be strong by May since we are a newly assembled team,” Agapito shared.

“As I continue working on my conditioning, I hope to be in peak form when the tournament arrives,” he added.

He also made a promise to his team and the Filipino community:

“For sure, I will give everything I have for the team. Whatever they ask of me, I will do my job.”

Currently, Agapito is balancing life beyond basketball. He works as a motor mechanic and manages a food stall in Pacita, San Pedro, Laguna, alongside his wife.

As our conversation wrapped up, "Kuya Oli" offered valuable advice to aspiring athletes:

“For those dreaming of becoming basketball players or athletes, everything is possible with hard work. I started playing basketball late, but my dedication helped me reach my goal. Be consistent in practice—run, jump, and put in the hard work.”

He also emphasized the importance of surrounding oneself with the right people.

“Connect with reliable coaches and good programs, and follow their guidance,” he added.

Balancing basketball, business, and family life is no easy task, but for "Kuya Oli," there is joy in doing it all.

For the full story, watch our podcast with him by clicking the link below:

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