Former Pros: Bokio Lauchengco

Bokio as Federico Lauchengco is fondly called, was always a noticeable figure on the hardcourt. Not only by his play, but also by his looks. He sported a Sir Galahad hairstyle which is said to bring a lot of luck to his game. Lauchengco played 129 games with San Miguel Beer, Great Taste and Tanduay, averaging 7.5 ppg in a pro career that spanned 5 seasons (1983-87).

Bokio first played basketball for University of the East in 1973. He transferred to University of Manila the following year and then again transferred to Far Eastern University in 1975. He, however, did not see action in the UAAP. He dribbled for FEU only during the Love Bank Sponsored dream game between UAAP and NCAA. In 1976, he played in the MICAA. Twice, Bokio could have played for Toyota. The first time was in 1978 and the second was in 1982. Immediately after the 1981 SEA Games held in Manila, Bokio and Ricky Relosa were contacted by Toyota coach Ed Ocampo. But Bokyo was still undecided. When finally he approached Ed Ocampo, the Toyota mentor told him that Toyota’s line-up was already complete.

The 6-0 Lauchengco, who was born on June 21, 1956, could have turned pro as early as 1978 when he was being drafted by both San Miguel and Toyota. But he wanted to play as a national player. He rationalized that at the time, he wasn’t fully equipped to join the pro league. And so, he remained in the amateur ranks. Lauchengco realized his dream when he became member of the RP team that placed eighth during the 1978 World Basketball Championships held in Manila. Then came the Pesta Sukan stint in 1979, the SEA Games in Jakarta and the ABC in Nagoya. In 1981, he played in the Calcutta ABC and in the Manila SEA Games. In 1982, he was a member of the RP five
placed fourth in the New Delhi Games. After that, he decided that his service to the national team was already more than enough. It was about time for him to help himself. After all, he wasn’t any younger. He signed up with San Miguel in the latter of 1982 but early 1983, the BAP summoned him and included his name in the list of hopefuls for the 1983 SEA Games scheduled for his right to turn pro. Subsequently, in Singapore. Lauchengco got his release papers from the BAP and off he went to the pros. Throughout his pro career, Lauchengco was known as a scorer. When he gets hot, he seemed to be unstoppable. Bokio never reached superstar status but those thathave faced him in the past will tell you how great basketball player Bokio Lauchengco was