Leo Prieto

Who was Leo Prieto?

Leopoldo "Leo" L. Prieto was a Filipino sports executive who served as the first commissioner of the Philippine Basketball Association. Acknowledged by some as "the father of the PBA", Prieto was named commissioner of the PBA upon its founding in 1975, and served in that capacity until his resignation in 1983.

During Prieto's tenure as commissioner of the PBA, the league prominently featured the rivalry between the Crispa Redmanizers and the Toyota Super Corollas. Prieto was lauded for his integrity and his ability to manage egos. Prieto himself described the requirements expected of a PBA commissioner as one "must have a good grasp of the game" and one who "who the [PBA Board of Governors] can trust and respect."

Before becoming commissioner of the PBA, Prieto coached the Philippines men's national basketball team in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, leading them to a seventh-place finish. He also coached the YCO Painters to several championships in the Manila Industrial and Commercial Athletic Association. Prieto also was a president of the Manila Jockey Club, and an avid supporter of football in the Philippines.

Prieto died on April 7, 2009, two weeks after suffering a stroke.