Larry Fonacier
A deceptively gentle-looking sharpshooter nicknamed the 'Babyface Assassin,' whose clutch three-pointers and savvy defense defined a winning PBA career.
Born 1982 (age 44)·Filipino basketball player·Birthday: May 13·Millennials
Biography
Larry Fonacier's unassuming appearance belied a competitive killer instinct on the basketball court. Drafted into the Philippine Basketball Association in 2005, he quickly earned the nickname 'Babyface Assassin' for his deadly accuracy from beyond the arc and his tenacious, intelligent defense. He wasn't just a specialist; he was a winner, contributing key plays for every franchise he played for, including Red Bull, Alaska, Talk 'N Text, and NLEX. Fonacier possessed a veteran's poise, often taking and making the biggest shots in high-pressure situations, which made him a valued teammate and a frustrating opponent. After retiring, he seamlessly transitioned into a front-office role as team manager for NLEX, applying his deep understanding of the game to a new chapter in basketball.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Larry was born in 1982, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Larry Was Born
The biggest hits of 1982
#1 Movie
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Best Picture
Gandhi
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Larry's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1982Born
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1987Started school
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1995Became a teenager
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
1998Could drive
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2000Could vote
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Turned 21
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2012Turned 30
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2022Turned 40
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 44 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the PBA Rookie of the Year award in 2006 after a standout debut season with the Red Bull Barako.
- Was a key contributor to multiple PBA championship teams, including titles with the Alaska Aces and the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters.
- Named to multiple PBA All-Star teams, recognized as one of the league's premier shooting guards.
- Served as team manager for the NLEX Road Warriors in the PBA after his retirement from playing.
- Consistently ranked among the league's top three-point shooters in percentage throughout his career.
Did You Know?
He played college basketball for the Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles in the UAAP.
Fonacier is known for being an avid reader and a fan of philosophy.
He overcame a serious knee injury early in his professional career to return and have a long and successful run.
His father, Larry Sr., was also a basketball player who played in the Philippine Amateur Basketball League.
“I let my shooting do the talking on the court.”
