A Filipino-Japanese basketball player who played in the Philippine Basketball Association and was a key player in the country's national team, earning numerous accolades and MVP awards.
Rich Alvarez, born on October 30, 1980, is a Japanese-born Filipino professional basketball coach and former player who made a name for himself in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). He is best known for being the first overall pick of the 2004 PBA draft by the Shell Turbo Chargers.
Growing up in Yokosuka, Japan, Alvarez first played for the Nile C. Kinnick High School Basketball Varsity Squad. After finishing high school, he moved to the Philippines and attended Ateneo de Manila University, where he became a pivotal part of the Blue Eagles basketball squad. At Ateneo, Alvarez was known for his tenacity and hustle plays, earning him the coveted UAAP MVP award in 2000 and again in 2001.
In 2002, Alvarez anchored the Blue Eagles to win the title against the heavily favored Green Archers, their first title since 1988. He was joined by a stellar supporting cast composed of LA Tenorio, Larry Fonacier, Wesley Gonzales, and Gec Chia.
Alvarez was drafted first overall by Shell Turbo Chargers in the 2004 PBA Draft, ahead of former college rival James Yap. He played his first PBA game in the team's second game after former coach John Moran benched him in the first game, citing that Alvarez was not yet ready to play.
During his amateur ranks, Alvarez also played for several teams in the Philippine Basketball League, such as Hapee-Netron-FASH and Pioneer Insurance. He was also a member of the Philippine national team that competed in the 2003 SEA Games.
After retiring from playing, Alvarez transitioned to coaching and last served as an assistant coach for the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters of the PBA. Throughout his career, Alvarez has been known for his work ethic, tenacity, and dedication to the sport.
While Alvarez's basketball career is well-documented, little is known about his personal life. He has kept a low profile, preferring to focus on his family and personal pursuits outside of the basketball court.
As one of the most decorated players in Philippine basketball history, Rich Alvarez's legacy continues to inspire a new generation of players and coaches. His commitment to the sport and his country has forged a lasting impact on the Filipino basketball community.
42 Years Old
A Filipino professional basketball player who has won numerous championships and MVP awards in the Philippine Basketball Association, known for his exceptional court vision and playmaking abilities.
