THE FOUNDERS
Dr. Ron Damasco
The Godfather of Detroit, Michigan, Basketball was appointed Commissioner for Life by founder Isagani “Gani” Gregorio during a meeting held at the house of NABA namesake Gil Panganiban in 1989. While Dr. Ron Damasco led the NABA Organization with an iron-fisted approach for 33 years, he was well-respected and loved by his City Directors and peers. He has led the growth of NABA from a 4-city tournament to the largest basketball organization umbrella in North America.
Isagani “Gani” Gregorio
He grew up in Tondo, Manila and started playing basketball at an early age. He played and won a championship at Philippine Christian College during his high school years. In College, he was recruited by Lyceum University before transferring to the University of Manila where he was discovered to play commercially. He was drafted first pick by Mariwasa for the MICAA league and earned ROY awards in 1973. He also played for the same team when it joined the first professional basketball association in ASIA, the PBA. However, after playing for a year and while in his prime, he migrated to Canada to follow his family. He went to Montreal and where he became an instant basketball star. He mentioned that he was always favored by the Lord and all his success was a blessing. As such, he believed that the Lord used him to form NABA so that more players will be able to play in the intercity tournaments at that time. Together with the late Commissioner Dr. Ron Damasco and Gil Panganiban they formed North American Basketball Association or NABA in short. To date, NABA is now the epitome of basketball organization and tournament with member cities in North America. Now Commissioner, he credits God’s guidance and blessing for its success. A legacy he will leave to all of us.
Angel “Gil” Panganiban
Angel “GIL’” Panganiban is from Windsor, Ontario, Canada and was the Director of Windsor Pinoys that later became Windsor Bridgeans. Along with Gani Gregorio of Toronto, Canada and the late Dr. Ron Damasco of Michigan, USA planted the seeds for NABA in a meeting after a Spring Tournament at Ann Harbor in Michigan in 1989. At that meeting North American Basketball Association or NABA for short, was born, and GIL provided the name. An active board member and Director of Windsor Bridgeans, Gil has always been a true NABA pillar which helped NABA become successful to this day.