Former Philippine Basketball Association forward Terry Saldaña, who at 6-foot-3 was the big man already back in the 1980s, passed away Wednesday due to lingering illness. He was 65.

Dubbed as the "Plastic Man" for his penchant for undergoal forays amid a phalanx of defense, Saldaña played for the iconic Toyota Tamaraws before transferring to other clubs later in his career.

He suffered a gruesome injury in the late 80s when he broke his knee while trying to block a shot. It was captured by live TV back then, shocking fans nationwide.

Saldaña will be honored by the league on Thursday with a "Final Buzzer," in the game between NorthPort and Phoenix.