Beyond The Game 

Robert ‘Bebet’ Legaspi: A Red Warrior’s Basketball Tale

By Brian Yalung

When the Philippine Basketball Association started in 1975, there were a lot of players that come to mind. However, there are less-heralded players at the time whose names continue to ring a bell.

One of them is Roberto “Bebet” Legaspi who suited up for Noritake in the pro league’s maiden year. He is the brother of Emerito Legaspi who played for Toyota and the father of Marlon Legaspi who played for San Miguel and Shell.

Bebet Legaspi’s humble basketball beginnings

Bebet Legaspi may be a virtual unknown to today’s generation. But during his prime in the 70s, he was best known for playing all over the Philippines.

“Nung nag-start ako nung bata pa ako sa Morning Breeze (Caloocan), naka-paa lang ako. Nanood lang ako ng mga teenager na mas malaki sa akin. Tapos, unti-unti pag may liga sila, sumasama ako. Ako minsan nagdadala ng bags nila,” the 74-year-old shared in an exclusive chat with this writer.

“Tapos nun, naglalaro na ako kahit ako mag-isa sa court namin. Napunta ako sa Blumentritt at dun ako nahasa,” he added.

Legaspi had an interesting story, not taking education seriously and ending up drinking alcohol most of the time. However, his life got some direction at a point.

With Legaspi’s growth spurting to 5-foot-11 back then, he was someone who drew the attention of basketball officials. Rather than waste his time, he became part of several high school basketball teams such as Manuel Luis Quezon High School and Elpidio Quirino High School through the help of Alfonso Perez.

The unexpected Crispa invite

However, it was when Legaspi was spotted playing at a local league that an unexpected invite came. He was approached by someone, asking him if he would be interested in playing for Crispa.

“Siyempre nagulat ako,” Legaspi recalled. “Siyempre mga Crispa sila Papa, Kutch… mga UE. Sabi ko hindi ko pa kaya dun. Sabi niya ‘kaya mo na dun. Sige samahan kita kay [Danny] Floro,” he added.

It turns out that the one who approached him had strong ties with Floro. He was told to try out with Crispa at UERM admitting he was nervous knowing he would be seeing and playing alongside his idols from UE among others.

Dalupan’s proposal to Legaspi

However, then-coach Baby Dalupan approached him and told him that if he were to be taken in, he would be a benchwarmer, mainly because of the top stars of the team at that time.

Instead, Legaspi was offered an alternative of playing at the University of the East. It gave him a chance to show off his basketball talent while getting a salary as well. He recalled getting about P30.00 per week from Crispa at that time.

Legaspi was part of the 1971-72 team that won the men’s basketball tournament. He sat out the next two years where the FEU Tamaraws lorded it over UAAP basketball.

His return in 1974 put UE back on the map, winning the 1974-75 season crown to cap his collegiate basketball run.

Legaspi brings act to PBA

With his collegiate basketball career over, Legaspi was left idle. That was before a former UE figure in Epoy Alcantara approached him and asked him if he would be interested in playing for Noritake. It turns out that he was someone that then-coach Fely Fajardo had his eye on.

At 6-foot-2, Legaspi played center. Among his teammates included Adriano Papa, Ulysees Rodriguez, Jesse Sullano, and Edmundo Tierra.

Unfortunately for Legaspi, he spent more time on the bench since he played the middle. The Porcelainmakers often used foreign reinforcement at center, namely Billy Robinson and Cisco Oliver.

“Na-be-bench lang ako. Kasi kalaban ko sa position sila Billy Robinson. Tapos minsan si Cisco Oliver,” he shared.

With things not working out for him in the PBA, Legaspi saw his pro basketball career end after two seasons. He played in 91 games and averaged 10.1 points per contest.

The 6-foot-2 player would move on after failing to make his mark in the PBA. He ended up taking a clerical job with Jardine-Manila Finance in 1978.

Of course, Legaspi continued to play basketball through company leagues. He eventually migrated to Paris where he is now leading a peaceful and quiet life.