The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas expresses its deepest appreciation to former Executive Director Renauld “Sonny” Barrios for all he has done for the federation in his almost 13 years of service.
Ever since his appointment under then SBP President Manny V. Pangilinan and Vice President Ricky Vargas, Barrios worked tirelessly to promote the sport of basketball in the Philippines.
“ED Sonny is an institution in Philippine basketball and an integral part of what we’ve built in the SBP. He was working in basketball in different capacities for more than three decades, and that kind of experience was invaluable in helping the federation reach new heights,” said SBP President Al Panlilio.
He hit the ground running as he was immediately put to work in hosting the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship.
The event turned out to be a resounding success.
Moreover, the Philippines also ended its 40-year absence from the World Cup due to the silver medal finish of Gilas Pilipinas Men. The national team would participate in three straight World Cups and most recently won the Asian Games gold medal for the first time in 61 years.
Aside from the men’s basketball program, Barrios also oversaw the meteoric rise of Gilas Pilipinas Women.
He additionally devoted the same amount of effort to other pillars of the federation, such as the training of coaches, referees, and technical officials, the promotion of 3×3 and esports, and the investment in grassroots programs all over the country.
Under Barrios’ tenure, the SBP successfully hosted the 2018 FIBA 3×3 World Cup along with multiple windows in the FIBA Asia Cup and World Cup Asian Qualifiers, including one in a bubble setup during the pandemic.
His final act in the SBP will leave a lasting legacy in Philippine basketball history as the Event Director of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.
“He is a calming presence during difficult times and a devout supporter of every single player who wore our country’s colors. He is also a valued member of the international basketball community, well respected by his peers all over the world. Although we will certainly miss his presence on a day-to-day capacity, we know he will always be there when we need his advice,” Panlilio continued.
“The SBP wishes him the best of health. He’ll always be part of the SBP family.”
