MANILA, Philippines – It was not until a close friend of mine tipped me to connect with a former PBA legend whose achievements and firsts are certainly something to be look back on.

And considering that the San Miguel Beer franchise has been in the sports headlines these days, here is one player that is easily identified with the multi-titled franchise. He goes by the name of Ricardo “Quick Brown Fox” Brown.

Brown, now 51, is the current principal at Ross Middle School in Artesia, California.

Brown started playing ball at the Pepperdine University and was actually drafted by the Houston Rockets back in the 1979 NBA draft. Unfortunately, Brown never really got to play in the NBA. It was after that where Ricky was invited to play for the PH National Team by Ambassador Eduardo Cojuangco.

Brown was a member of that victorious PH team that won the 1981 Jones Cup.

Among the members of that team included the likes of Manny Victorino, Itoy Esguerra, Frankie Lim, Willie Pearson, JB Yango, Joel Banal, Ed Cordero, Edy Chavez, Bruce Collins, Federico Lauchengco, Steve Lingenfelter, Jeff Moore, Ricky Relosa, Robert Worthy and Dennis Still. Their coach was of course Ron Jacobs.

Of the mentioned players, the only names we see active in the PH basketball scene to date are Frankie Lim (who coaches the San Beda Red Lions and is the manager of the Smart Gilas team), Itoy Esguerra (coaching), Joel Banal (coaching) and Ed Cordero (San Beda).

Ricky Brown is the first Filipino-American player ever to play in the Professional Basketball Association (PBA). Prior to turning pro, Ricky also played for the De La Salle Green Archers.

Brown took the PBA by storm in 1983 and was drafted by the Great Taste Coffee Makers. He copped the Rookie of the Year award in his maiden season and went on to win the PBA MVP award in 1985. He was also a many-time member of the PBA Mythical Team (1983 to 86 and 1988) and holds the distinction of being a member of the PBA’s 25 Greatest players.

The highlight of Brown’s career is perhaps that of being part of the 1989 San Miguel Beer Grand Slam squad. While Brown did deliver some championships for the Great Taste team, the rarity of winning all three PBA titles in one season doesn’t come easy.

Among Ricky’s teammates for that powerhouse San Miguel Grand Slam team included Ramon Fernandez, Samboy Lim, Allan Caidic, Hector Calma, Alvin Teng, Franz Pumaren, Elmer Reyes, Yves Dignadice, Bobby Jose, and present SMB coach Ato Agustin.

Injuries forced the Quick Brown Fox to retire in at the age of 34. Nothing has been heard of him since. But thanks to social media, Brown is reconnecting with friends and fans through Facebook.

And mind you, he is not just there for the sake of presence. He is giving back by sharing his stored treasures of PBA memorabilia through pictures and newspaper clippings which should be pretty much appreciated by PBA fans who are familiar with him and want to rekindle the good old PBA days.

At the moment, Ricky says he is working on a book. The book intends to share the behind-the-scene actions that took place during his career which should be a great memento for the million of basketball fans in the Philippines.

“I have a great desire to tell my story of 10 years in Philippine basketball and the 1st Fil-Am to play in the PBA to the great basketball fans of the Philippines. It would be a special gift to them... the proceeds from sales would go to a good cause in Manila, preferably in education. If I get a publisher willing to invest in the project, we'll make it a successful endeavor. There is no question the fans want to read about the behind the scenes action that took place during my 10 year playing career in The Philippines” says Brown.

In all, the Quick Brown fox has not forgotten the PBA, his fans and the many Filipino basketball addicts to this day. And with the planned book, it does indeed seem fitting.

And in parting, this is what Ricky had to say.

“The Manila Bulletin was always one of my favorite newspapers when I was living in Manila and online today” says Brown.

Ricky plans to visit the Philippines later this year but if you want to connect with him directly, just look him up at Facebook and see what he has to share.

Brian Yalung, Manila Bulletin