After sitting out his final playing year in the UAAP to heal from injuries and focus on his studies, Cebuano guard Jerie Marlon “Koko” Pingoy is ready to roll once again in the PBA D-League.
Selected third in the 10th round by Karate Kid-Centro Escolar University in the 2020 D-League Draft earlier this week, the former University of Cebu Baby Webmaster is out to re-introduce himself on the big stage.
“First of all, I want thank God for another opportunity to play basketball. I just want thank coach Jeff Napa and also CEU for giving me another chance to redeem myself on the court,” said Pingoy, a former UAAP Juniors Most Valuable Player while playing for Far Eastern University.
After finishing a standout high school career at FEU, Pingoy moved to Ateneo before transferring to Adamson to revive his stalled collegiate career. He helped the Soaring Falcons reach the Final Four in Season 81 and then, elected to sit out his final season to focus on getting his degree in Business Marketing.
Pingoy also revealed that he wasn’t 100% healthy at that time, which also factored into his decision to not play.
“It was my decision not to play anymore because I was hurt. I got injured and I needed to be operated again because the first one was not successful. But now, I’m totally okay,” said Pingoy.
Pingoy added that he is completely motivated to do well in the D-League this season to help his family out, especially his son, Kaeden.
“My motivation right now is my son Kaeden and my family. I want to help them so bad. I need to prove everyone wrong. So you will see another Jerie beast again.” (JNP)