Cebuano Jerie Marlon “Koko” Pingoy’s bid to make the roster of the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters remains alive as he competes for a spot during the team’s practices that are currently being held in Batangas City.
Pingoy, the former University of Cebu high school star who was selected 52nd overall in this year’s PBA Rookie Draft, has a few players to battle for roster spots including guard Reymar Caduyac and veterans Michael Calisaan and Bryan Faundo.
“Caduyac and Pingoy are on tryout status as of now. Coaches and management will be observing their performances in scrimmages and practices,” said team manager Paolo Bugia on a report on the website, Spin.ph.
The management of Phoenix, though, has already made up their mind regarding their other rookies, namely big man Larry Muyang, high-leaping forward Nick Demusis and guard Aljun Melecio.
“We will be officially signing them within the week,” added Bugia.
Muyang, the hulking center from Pampanga, was picked seventh overall while Demusis was selected 18th. Melecio, a crafty point guard from La Salle, was picked 19th.
Pingoy, who had a storied high school career at Far Eastern University before controversy hounded his transition to the collegiate level, has been working his tail off to make his PBA dream come true. While the rest of the PBA was left hanging because of the lockdown that was imposed in the NCR, Pingoy continued to train with renowned basketball trainer, Maverick Bautista of Mavs Phenomenal. (JNP)