Boybits Victoria, a former PBA player who won seven championships and was Rookie of the Year in 1994, passed away on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, due to a heart attack. He was 50 years old. His son Nathan confirmed the sad news on social media, saying that his father suffered an acute myocardial infarction and was pronounced dead at 6:55 pm at San Juan De Dios Manila.
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A Stellar Career in Basketball
Boybits Victoria started his basketball career when he was studying at San Beda College. He was selected third overall by Swift in the 1994 PBA Rookie Draft and took the top freshman honor over Purefoods’ Rey Evangelista by season’s end. He quarterbacked the renamed Sunkist team to a near-Grandslam in 1995 when the Orange Juicers beat the Alaska Milkmen twice for the All-Filipino and Commissioner’s Cup titles. Other key members of that team were 1995 Most Valuable Player Vergel Meneses, Bonel Balingit, Nelson Asaytono, Al Solis and Yoyoy Villamin.
Victoria lasted three more seasons before moving to San Miguel in 1999 as a backup point guard to Olsen Racela. He fit quite nicely in that role and became part of the Beermen teams starred by Racela, Danny Seigle and Danny Ildefonso that claimed five championships from 1999 to 2001. He was also a member of the national team that competed in the 1998 Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand.
A Rare Autoimmune Disorder and a Heart Attack
Victoria was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome in 2018, a rare autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks healthy nerve cells in the peripheral nervous system, causing weakness and numbness. He spent several weeks in the hospital and underwent physical therapy to recover from the condition.
According to Medicotopics, a heart attack occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, and the heart muscle begins to die. The common symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, sweating and dizziness. The risk factors for a heart attack include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity and family history.
It is not clear what triggered Victoria’s heart attack, but his brother Bing said that he had been feeling unwell for a few days before his death. He also said that Victoria had been taking medication for his blood pressure and cholesterol.
Tributes from Fans and Friends
Victoria’s death shocked the basketball community and elicited tributes from fans and friends. Former San Miguel coach Jong Uichico remembered him as an “incredible sixth man” for the Beermen. He tweeted: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Boybits Victoria. An incredible 6th man for our SMB teams. I will always remember him as a humble and unselfish person. Grateful and honored to have been a part of his life and career. Rest now our dear Boybits.”
Former teammate Danny Seigle also expressed his condolences on Twitter: “Rest In Peace Boybits Victoria. You were a great teammate and friend. You will be missed by many.”
PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said that the league will honor Victoria’s memory with a moment of silence before every game. He also said that he will coordinate with Victoria’s family for possible assistance.
Victoria is survived by his wife Maricel and his children Ciaz and Nathan. His family thanked everyone who offered prayers and support during this difficult time.
Boybits Victoria was a PBA legend who left behind a legacy of excellence and passion for the game. He will be remembered as one of the best point guards in Philippine basketball history.
