13 Marlou Aquino
CENTER / POWER FORWARD
Name: Marlou Aquino
Nick Name: Marlou
Monicker: The Skyscraper
Birthday: October 7, 1972
Height: 6′9″
Weight: 240lbs
Position: Center Second position: Power Forward
Jersey No: 13
Year drafted: 1996 first overall pick by Ginebra Gin Kings; He was shipped to Sta. Lucia Realty in 2000 for franchise player Jun Limpot and forward Banjo Calpito.
Years pro: 12 years
College: Adamson University
Hobbies: Watching TV, films, listening to pop music and eating various foods, among others.
Hometown: Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan
Player’s note: Before he arrived in the pro in 1996, Aquino is definitely considered by many as a future franchise player of Ginebra after he led the Stag to many titles in the PBL and also represented the country in many international tournaments.
After leading the Ginebra Kings (Gordon Gins) to 1997 Commissioner’s Cup crown, Aquino sustained his impressive numbers although Ginebra (Gordon) failed to win another title three years after.
In 2000, he was traded to Sta. Lucia Realty for Jun Limpot and Banjo Calpito.
Aquino gained his second championship ring, when the Realtors captured their first-ever PBA title in 2001 after beating San Miguel Beer in Governor’s Cup.
Aquino, known as the skyscraper, 35, stays a dominant force in the middle in his 12th year despite the continuing arrival of young tall players particularly Fil-Ams.
Achievements: Voted 1996 PBA rookie of the year. He was the first Ginebra player to win the Rookie of the Year award since Don Don Ampalayo did the trick in 1986.
He finished the 1996 season averaging 18 points and 9.3 rebounds. Aquino was one of the three remaining players of 2001 Governor’s Cup Champion Sta. Lucia Realty.
The other two players were Dennis Espino and Paolo Mendoza.
Aquino is a four-time PBL Most Valuable Player; Two-time PBA All Defensive Team Member (1996, 1997); 1996 PBA Governors Cup Best Player of the Conference; 2003 PBA Mythical First Team and Member of 1994 and 1998 RP National Team.
Defining Moments: Had a personal conference high 23 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in a victory by Sta. Lucia Realty against San Miguel Beer on November 9, 2005.
In January 12, 2007, Aquino scored 26 points to move Sta. Lucia Realty to the quarterfinals with a hard-earned 121-118 win over Air21.
Aquino tallied a conference high 19 points, seven rebounds and conference-tying five blocks against the Magnolia Beverage Masters last January 6, 2008.
More about the player: Marlou Aquino is gunning for a remarkable year this 33rd PBA season after a so-so performance last season due to recurring injury that slowed him down a bit.
With the arrival of Kelly Williams and rookie sensation Ryan Reyes, Aquino and Dennis Espino, the two veteran big men in the team, have shown leadership in this conference and Sta. Lucia Realty marked its first outright semifinals appearance since 2004.
Aquino, known to his variety of hook shots and under-goal stab, remains a strong shot-blocker in the middle and rebounder despite his age.
Statistics: After averaging 7.5 points per game and 3.5 rebounds last season, which was lower to his 8.2 points and 5.2 rebounds in 2005-06 season, Aquino has improved this Smart Philippine Cup elimination with 8.4 points and 3.4 rebounds in 18 games played.
