25/05/2026
Brother Silverio โBennettโ Palad III (UST Chapter)
Behind every successful basketball tournament is a leader who ensures that everything runs seamlessly โ and for the 19th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup, that man is our very own TAUST Brother, Silverio โBennettโ Palad III.
More than just a Tournament Director, Tol Bennett embodies the kind of sports leadership that todayโs student-athletes and aspiring sports executives can truly learn from โ someone who understands not only the game on the court, but also the relationships, discipline, and professionalism behind it.
A former standout player for the National University Bulldogs at the high school level and the UST Glowing Goldies in college in the 1980s, Tol Bennett also became part of Barangay Ginebra San Miguelโs historic 1991 championship team under the legendary Robert Jaworski. Through the years, he earned respect not only as an athlete, but also as a mentor, coach, and basketball executive.
What makes his journey inspiring to the younger generation is his evolution beyond being a student-athlete into a respected sports professional. From coaching internationally โ including handling Filipino Super Senior Club teams โ to managing one of the countryโs premier preseason basketball tournaments, he continues to prove that opportunities in sports extend far beyond playing years.
In todayโs fast-evolving sports industry, where leadership, communication, organization, and networking are just as important as basketball IQ, โCoach Bennettโ serves as a bridge between old-school basketball culture and modern sports management.
Whether working with coaches, players, league officials, or aspiring student-athletes, his ability to unite people and maintain the professionalism of the tournament is one of the reasons why the 19th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup remains one of the most respected proving grounds in Philippine basketball.
Salute to you, Tol Bennett! ๐ซก๐
