ONE of the pioneers and legendary playmakers of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Rene Canent passed away on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at the age
of 80.
A fierce competitor, Canent first made waves in the 1960s by leading the JRU Heavy Bombers to consecutive NCAA titles alongside Egay Gomez and Angel Patrimonio.
By 1975, he transitioned from the MICAA’s Yco powerhouse to Tanduay’s pioneer PBA franchise under Don Manolo Elizalde, establishing a lethal backcourt trio with Freddie Webb and Mike Bilbao over a
six-season career.
Beyond his on-court wizardry, Canent cemented his legacy as a player advocate, serving as the inaugural president of the PBA Players Association during the Leo Prieto era. He had called Los Angeles home since the ‘80s.
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