From the Sidelines is a feature series that seeks to profile talented individuals who work behind the scenes in contributing to the greater success of Ateneo sports. In the eighth installment, we pay tribute to Mang Ludy Jerios, who served as the Ateneo Women’s Basketball Team’s utility guy for nearly three decades.

BEYOND THE spotlight shone on players and coaches are the equally important utility guys who contribute to the success of basketball teams. Among them was Mang Ludy Jerios, whose invaluable service to the Ateneo Women’s Basketball Team (AWBT) lasted for nearly three decades.

Since Mang Ludy’s unfortunate passing last March 17, 2020 due to a fatal heatstroke, he has been dearly missed and has left a hole in the hearts of the Ateneo Basketball community. His decades of service for the AWBT is a testament to the importance of utility guys to the success of basketball teams.

When ball becomes life  

A devoted father of four and an avid basketball enthusiast, Mang Ludy’s immense passion for the ball game drove him to become a utility guy immediately after finishing his tertiary studies in Bicol. Before working for teams in the big leagues, Mang Ludy’s first jobs were in various local basketball tournaments such as the Metro Star League.

After the Metro Star League folded, Mang Ludy ultimately decided to start a new life in Metro Manila. He eventually found opportunities in the nation’s capital, becoming the utility guy for the Triple V Foodmasters (TVF) in the now-defunct Philippine Basketball League. After his stint with the TVF, Mang Ludy was employed by the Purefoods franchise in the Philippine Basketball Association, but a change in Purefoods’ management eventually forced him to resign.

As Mang Ludy searched for work, his prior service for the TVF caught the attention of Ateneo basketball coaches such as then-Blue Eagles Head Coach Joe Lipa. Since the University was coincidentally recruiting utility guys, Mang Ludy was hired to work with the Ateneo Boy’s Basketball Team’s (ABBT). Eventually, then-AWBT Head Coach John Flores tapped Mang Ludy to serve as the women’s team’s utility guy following his stint with the ABBT.

Because of Mang Ludy’s desire to keep basketball as a pivotal part of his life, Mang Ludy jumped at this opportunity. “Doon siya masaya sa trabaho na iyon. Talagang basketball lang yung buhay niya (He was really happy with that job. Basketball was really his life),” shared Jess Jerios, Mang Ludy’s son.

A lolo’s family commitment

With Mang Ludy’s extensive experience in the professional basketball scene, fulfilling his duties as the AWBT’s utility guy was second-nature to him. He was tasked with sideline responsibilities such as providing Gatorade and water on the court and organizing the team’s equipment during training. Moreover, Mang Ludy exceeded a typical utility guy’s duties, as he was also proficient in taping the feet and ankles of the Lady Eagles when the team’s physical therapist was absent.

Among his myriad of duties, Mang Ludy also refereed all the AWBT’s practice games while mimicking the calls of official referees to prepare the Lady Eagles for the actual games. “[When] Mang Ludy refereed for us, I know na he made the bad calls on purpose because he knew the referees in [the] UAAP [could make bad calls]. So he did it intentionally to test me and my patience,” shared AWBT Center Zoe Chu.

Beyond his sideline tasks and occasional refereeing during practice, Mang Ludy bolstered the AWBT’s morale on the court by comforting the Lady Eagles whenever they had poor performances. “He would cheer us on [during practices and games]. Also, sometimes, when I sit on the bench during the games, he would come close to me and pat my back. He used to tell me na it’s fine even if I’m doing bad,” Chu shared.

Although Mang Ludy’s love for basketball influenced him to join the AWBT, finding a family in the team made him stay for what felt like three decades. Throughout his tenure, he made it a point to develop personal connections with everyone on the team. “I think he felt [that] the team was like his family. He was part of the team for so long, [and] he was like our dad, lolo na actually,” shared Chu.

Aside from building strong relationships with the team, Mang Ludy stayed with the team to keep active in his old age. “Sobrang matanda na siya. Kasabihan ng tatay ko ‘Kapag ako bumitaw [ako] diyan [sa trabaho], nasa bahay lang ako, lalong mahihina ako.’ Kaya bilib ako sa tatay ko, sobrang lakas talaga (He was very old already. His saying was ‘If I retire, I’ll be at home and I’ll get weaker.’ That’s why I admire my dad, he’s very strong),” Jess proudly shared.

A hero beyond the court 

Despite Mang Ludy’s passing, the AWBT remains disciplined during practice thanks to his creative refereeing that developed the team’s patience for poor calls. “I think for me, he always tested my patience. It’s more of discipline and just playing with it no matter what the call is. I think that’s what he imparted to [the team],” Chu shared.

However, Mang Ludy’s teachings went beyond the court, as he also taught his son the importance of prioritizing family, being a man-for-others, and the value of hardwork. “[Tinuruan niyo ako na kapag] alam mong okay yung kapatid mo, mga pamilya mo, pwede kang tumulong sa ibang tao (He taught me that when I know that my siblings and family are okay, I can now help others),” said Jess.

More than his phenomenal service with the AWBT, Mang Ludy will be remembered as more than just a utility guy to both the Ateneo basketball community and his family. He was a comedian on and off the court who had nothing but genuine love and kindness for others. “Sobrang mapagmahal ng tatay ko niyan [at] napakabait. Wala siyang inintindi kung hindi kami. Komedyante talaga iyon [at] hindi namin iyan makakalimutan (My father was incredibly loving and kind. He did not focus on anything but us. He’s quite the comedian, and we’ll never forget that),” Kuya Jess shared.

Although Mang Ludy will be missed dearly by everyone, his remarkable service to the ball game remains engraved in the hearts of many—setting the standard for all future utility guys to come.