ADU Falcon Pingoy bids UAAP career goodbye to pursue college degree

Basketball has been part of my life since I was in Cebu. To all my teammates, coaches, friends, and fans, never stop supporting and showing your love.” – Jerie Pingoy (File Photo: Jim de Ramos/Facebook)

Twenty-four-year-old guard Jeri Marlon “Koko” Pingoy, originally from Cebu, has announced his departure from playing for the Adamson University (AdU) Soaring Falcons for his final year in the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) attesting to his pursuit of a college degree as the reason.

On his social media accounts, Pingoy shared that he is aspiring to focus on his Business Marketing degree, saying in Filipino, “It’s hard if there’s no diploma. It’s also a waste because my studies are free. Just a little bit more of a push.” Pingoy added, “That is really the request of my parents from me, that I graduate.”

Pingoy was originally recruited by Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) from the Far Eastern University (FEU) Baby Tamaraws, but unfortunately sat out for two seasons due to a residence rule that has now been outlawed by the Senate.

In his post, the Cebuano then moves on to express his gratitude for all those who have guided him through his basketball career. “To Ateneo de Manila University,” he begins, “It has been a journey being part of the Blue Eagle basketball team. I can’t thank Ateneo enough for giving me the chance to play again and show I still have it. Thank you for giving me a chance to play for your school. To the Ateneo community and our supporters, thank you for the wonderful journey.”

He added, “Adamson U, thank you for being with me for a short period of time. You never knew how grateful I was to be once called a Soaring Falcon. I fell short, but this is not the end. Thank you for giving me a second chance. Thank you klasmyts,” then concluding, “Basketball has been part of my life since I was in Cebu. To all my teammates, coaches, friends, and fans, never stop supporting and showing your love. You are the best. I am so blessed to have this everything with me in my next journey.”

During his most recent season, Pingoy averaged 3.3 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game with an average playing time of 13.6 minutes.