Larry Fonacier calls its quits, takes role as new NLEX manager

Larry Fonacier has decided to step away from the hardcourt but will still be very much involved in basketball after being named as the new team manager for NLEX.

The Road Warriors made the announcement on Saturday, Jan. 7, as his appointment came as part of the team’s rebuild that also has head coach Frankie Lim taking over at the start of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup replacing former head coach and then-general manager Yeng Guiao.

For Fonacier, the appointment marked the end of a colorful career that saw him win seven championships and one Finals MVP award after playing for Red Bull, Magnolia, Alaska, Talk N’ Text and NLEX throughout his 17 years in the league.

He was a second round pick in 2005 but went on to win the Rookie of the Year honors.

Fonacier made a good account of himself as one of the league's top snipers which served as his ticket to be called for national team duty and becoming a staple in Gilas Pilipinas in its early years.

The "Babyface Assassin" played a vital role in Gilas’ silver-medal finish in the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship held in Manila, earning the country’s ticket to the 2014 World Cup which ended a 36-year appearance drought in the global basketball showpiece.