According to Stevenson Tiu said the former coach was still able to drive himself to the Cardinal Santos hospital where he subsequently died.

Chongson, 57 years old, was popularly known for his colorful language and off-shoulder hair, so it was really a surprise in the coaching community with his sudden death.

Friends of Chongson even said that the veteran coach underwent a hospital examination a few days ago and was in good spirits over the Christmas season.

“Kaya lahat kami nagulat, e,” Tiu said a few hours after learning about the death of his friend.

Chongson first coached UE in 2009 when he led the Red Warriors to the UAAP Season 72 Finals, but lost all three games against the Ateneo Blue Eagles.

Chongson was an active consultant for UE during the 82nd UAAP season when he called the shots for the Red Warriors alongside the late Bong Tan, a close friend who died in November 2019.

In the same season, coach Lawrence and the Red Warriors slumped to a 4-10 win-loss record.

Further, he was also a longtime coach of Boracay Rum Waves (Tanduay Light Rhum Masters) and served as the agent of his former UE standouts Paul Lee of Magnolia and MPBL Roi Sumang.