Oliver Agapito
Masters Pinoy Pilipinas Basketball
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.
“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.
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:
https://www.facebook.com/scorelinedotph/videos/947505080926633
News
The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is pushing a landmark plan to open government-run golf courses to children aged 15 and below—completely free of charge.
Initiated by PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio, the proposal would give youth access to select courses, including Camp John Hay in Baguio and Intramuros Golf Club in Manila, starting at noon daily, seven days a week.
The plan, now with the Office of the President, awaits approval as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. consults with golf industry stakeholders.
While some military-run courses may resist concerns about income and congestion, Gregorio believes the long-term benefits for grassroots golf outweigh the drawbacks. “If we want golf to grow, we have to let more Filipino kids touch a golf club—not just the ones who can afford it,” he said.
With golf’s high costs limiting access, the PSC hopes the initiative will spark broader participation, open doors to scholarships, and develop future champions from all backgrounds.
The Philippine women’s softball team—the Blu Girls—are eyeing nothing less than gold as they prepare to defend their title at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games this December in Thailand.
After softball’s two-edition absence from the SEA Games, head coach Ana Santiago said the team’s hunger for victory remains undiminished. “Nothing less than gold ang goal natin,” Santiago declared, recalling the Blu Girls’ last gold win at home in 2019.
A dominant force since 1979, the Blu Girls have collected 11 SEA Games golds and are returning as favorites. Team captain Charlotte Sales and power hitter Roma Cruz, both SEA Games debutantes, expressed confidence in the squad’s readiness, especially after a productive training camp in Taiwan.
“Malaking bagay ‘yung training camp namin. Nakatulong sa teamwork, communication, and ‘yung samahan,” Sales shared.
Cruz, who smashed five homers at the Asian Cup in China last July, is determined to prove herself on the SEA Games stage. “Gusto ko ipakita na kaya ko makipagsabayan,” she said.
While the Blu Girls topped Indonesia for gold in 2019, Santiago sees Singapore as this year’s biggest threat, citing their extensive preparations in Australia, Japan, and Taiwan.
The Philippines opens against Singapore on December 15, then faces Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia before the gold medal game on December 20.
Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines president John Henry Lhuillier’s marching order is clear: go for double gold in both women’s and men’s softball. “That’s the goal,” Santiago affirmed.
Cambodia has withdrawn from eight sports in the upcoming Southeast Asian Games in Thailand due to security concerns amid ongoing border tensions, an Olympic official confirmed last November 27.
The decision comes after intermittent military clashes between Cambodia and Thailand throughout the year, including a deadly July outbreak that left over 40 people dead.
Despite a US-brokered truce, diplomatic strains remain.
The National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC) informed the Southeast Asian Games Federation that it would skip events such as football, petanque, wrestling, judo, and karate, citing “significant security concerns” for its athletes and officials.
NOCC secretary-general Vath Chamroeun emphasized that the move was strictly about safety, reducing the delegation from 333 to 150 athletes competing in 13 sports.
The pullout is aimed at making monitoring easier amid heightened tensions over overlapping claims to ancient temples along the Cambodia-Thailand border.
The Philippines will field its largest-ever delegation for the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, sending 1,600 athletes, coaches, and officials to compete in 50 sports at the biennial meet during the 33rd 2025 send-off at Rizal Memorial Coliseum held last November 28.
Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio said the decision to send a record-sized team was rooted in prioritizing exposure and athlete development over immediate results
“When you send a delegation, they learn. When you send a big delegation, they gain confidence and experience,” Gregorio said. “We want our athletes’ mindset and skills to toughen up so they can compete at the Asian Games and the Olympics.”
The 2025 SEA Games will feature 574 medal events, three demonstration sports—air sports, flying disc, and tug of war—and MMA as a value-added sport.
Gregorio emphasized that investing in athletes’ experience now lays the groundwork for future success. “We’re giving our athletes the exposure they need to compete better in the future,” he said.
The Philippines will target podium finishes in medal-rich sports including basketball, esports, boxing, weightlifting, jiu-jitsu, and athletics when the SEA Games open on December 9.
In a heartfelt send-off, the senate committee on sports, Senator Bong Go, reminded the country’s national athletes of the immense pride and hope they bring as they head into international competitions.
“Always remember, you carry not just your name, but the spirit of every Filipino,” Go said. “When you win, the whole nation wins with you. No matter the result, you already carry the pride and admiration of the Filipino people.”
Reassuring the athletes of his unwavering support, the official added, “My office is always open for you. If you need anything—whether a solution or a problem—just come to my office.”
As the delegation prepared to embark on their journey, he encouraged them to fight with determination and honor the country. “Fight with all your heart. Bring home the bacon. The honor you bring to the country—you will carry it for the rest of your life. It is engraved in the history of the Philippines.”
He closed by urging the team to give their best, stay united, and make every Filipino proud: “Show the world how strong and united Filipinos can be.”
