Ex-NU and San Beda guard JV Gallego passes away at 28 in road accident
John Vincent "JV" Gallego, former National University and San Beda guard, has passed away after being involved in a road accident. He was 28.
According to reports, Gallego died on Saturday, July 18 after he and his wife were involved in a road accident in Libtong, Meycauayan, Bulacan, while traveling along NLEX back to Manila.
His longtime friend and former Chiang Kai Shek teammate Fran Yu, paid his tribute to Gallego.
"To my Batman since Day 1, thank you for being an incredible person, a great teammate, and a true friend from the very beginning. Thank you for every memory, every laugh, and every moment we shared on and off the court," Yu wrote.
"Your kindness, heart, and presence made a difference to all of us. You’ll always be remembered, and you’ll forever be a part of our team and our family," he added. "You will be deeply missed. Rest in peace, Batman."
Colegio San Agustin Makati also paid its tribute to Gallego.
"Coach JV will be remembered not only for his dedication to the sport of basketball but also for the passion, guidance, and unwavering commitment he shared with every student-athlete whose lives he touched. His kindness, leadership, and love for the Augustinian community have left a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire generations of Augustinians," it wrote.
Gallego was a standout long before college, leading Chiang Kai Shek to the 2013 NBTC title and earning the tournament's Most Outstanding Player award. He also shared co-MVP honors at the 2015 SLAM Rising Stars Challenge. He also suited up for Batang Gilas in the 2016 FIBA Asia U18 Championship
He made his University Athletic Association of the Philippines debut with National University in September 2016, and later transferred to San Beda University.
The 5-foot-10 guard helped the San Beda Red Lions claim the NCAA Season 99 men's basketball championship in 2023.
He reportedly later took charge of the basketball program at World Citi Colleges and served as the head coach of Colegio San Agustin Makati High School Boys Aspirants and Boys Juniors Basketball Team.
His only known professional stint was with the Bicol Oragons in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League in 2024.
Rest in peace.
