Christian Luanzon
{{short description|Filipino basketball player}}
{{Philippine name|Gaddi|Luanzon}}
{{Use Philippine English|date=April 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2023}}
{{Infobox basketball biography
| name = Christian Luanzon
| image = Christian Luanzon.jpg
| caption = Luanzon during the UAAP Season 87 in 2024
| league = University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP)
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 4
| weight_lbs = 190
| position = Assistant coach
| team = UP Fighting Maroons
| nationality = Filipino / American
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1983|1|22|mf=y}}
| birth_place = San Jose, California, U.S.
| career_number = 20
| high school = Saint Stephen's (Manila)
| college = UST
| draft_league = PBA
| draft_year = 2006
| draft_round = 2
| draft_pick = 18
| draft_team = Alaska Aces
| career_start = 2006
| career_end = 2013
| years1 = 2006–2008
| team1 = Alaska Aces
| years2 = 2012–2013
| team2 = San Miguel Beermen (ABL)
| highlights = As player:
- PBA champion (2007 Fiesta)
- ABL champion (2013)
- PBL Rookie of the Year (2002)
- 2× PBL Mythical Second Team (2005, 2006)
- PBL scoring champion (2006)
- PBL champion (2006)
As assistant coach:
| coach_start = 2022
| career_position = Power forward
| cteam1 = UP (assistant)
| cyears1 = 2022–present
}}
Christian Pierce Gaddi Luanzon (born January 22, 1983) is a retired Filipino-American professional basketball player in the Philippine Basketball Association{{cite web|title=2008-09 LIGA PILIPINAS SEASON|url=http://www.pinoyexchange.com/forums/showthread.php?p=27084273|work=pinoyexchange.com|accessdate=November 30, 2010}} who last played for the San Miguel Beermen.
He is part of the broadcast panel of the UAAP men's basketball for ABS-CBN Sports. He also played for the Malacañan-PSC Kamao in the UNTV Cup.
Collegiate career
Although born in the United States, Luanzon grew up in the Philippines played in St. Stephen's High School in Manila and played collegiate ball at the University of Santo Tomas (UST). He was named into the First-Team All-UAAP First Team honors in the 2003-2004 season. In his last year in the UAAP he averaged a team high 15 points, 9.2 rebounds and 6.7 Assists.
PBA career
Prior the 2006 draft, this 6'4 draft volunteered to have a workout with the Aces and coach Tim Cone was impressed with the intensity and work ethic of this former University of Santo Tomas stalwart. During his days with the Growling Tigers, Luanzon had shown abilities to hit the jumpers, defend the wing players and finish the fast breaks.
Tabbed No. 18 overall in the 2006 PBA Draft, Luanzon's ability to defend the quicker players and hit the perimeter opens an opportunity for him to reach the big league. He played for Harbour Center in the PBL where he only suited up for four games. And the youngster knows that his role will be limited with the Aces but will be ready when given the opportunity.
He was a member of the Alaska Aces when they won the 2007 PBA Fiesta Conference championship.
He last played in the PBL-Liga Merger for the ANI-FCA Cultivators Team.
Coaching career
Beginning in 2022, Luanzon became one of the assistant coaches for the UP Fighting Maroons. In Season 84, the Maroons won the championship.{{Cite web |date=May 16, 2022 |title=U.P. Fighting Maroons capture basketball title for first time in 36 years Sports Desk - YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYIG3g9vT9s |access-date=May 16, 2022 |website=www.youtube.com}}
Awards
- Philippine Basketball League Rookie of the Year (2002)
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [http://www.alaskaaces.com.ph Official Website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161118042709/http://alaskaaces.com.ph/ |date=November 18, 2016 }}
{{Alaska Aces 2007 PBA Fiesta Conference Champions}}
{{San Miguel Beermen 2013 ASEAN Basketball League Champions}}
{{UP Fighting Maroons 2021-2022 UAAP Men's Senior Basketball Champions}}
{{UP Fighting Maroons 2024–25 UAAP Men's Basketball Champions}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Luanzon, Christian}}
Category:Alaska Aces (PBA) players
Category:Filipino men's basketball players
Category:Filipino television sportscasters
Category:Basketball players from San Jose, California
Category:UST Growling Tigers basketball players
Category:Alaska Aces (PBA) draft picks
Category:American men's basketball players