Reigning back-to-back UAAP juniors MVP Jerie Marlon Pingoy of the Far Eastern University-Diliman put all the talk of his future collegiate home to rest yesterday as he firmly said that he has not committed to any school and is content to play out his high school basketball career first before making any decisions.
A report has popped up in the past few days that said that Pingoy has committed to the five-time UAAP champions Ateneo Blue Eagles while another report has pegged the youngster to the FEU Tamaraws saying that he has a written contract with the school.
But Pingoy, who steered the Baby Tamaraws to their first UAAP juniors crown in 25 years this past season, said he has not made any decisions as to where he’ll be playing college ball next season.
“I have not committed to any school yet. I have no idea where all those reports are coming from. There are a lot of schools that are trying to recruit me but I have not made any decisions with regards to that matter,” said Pingoy in his native tongue, while on vacation here in Cebu.
Pingoy, who averaged 21 points, four rebounds, five assists on top of two steals per game last season, also clarified the written agreement that he has with FEU.
“It’s not an official contract. It’s just an agreement that states that FEU will support my schooling as well as my siblings next season, should I join them,” he said.
Pingoy arrived here last Monday for what he says is a much-needed vacation to rest his weary body. “I’m just here to spend and enjoy time with my family. Life here is much different from that in Manila. Though I’ve already adjusted to life there, it’s still a different vibe here.”
He also said that for now, he is concentrating on trying to bring another title to FEU-Diliman as the Baby Tams are competing in the 1st Philippine Secondary Schools Basketball Championship. After that will he make the decision.
“It’s really a lot of pressure on me. I just might return to the University of Cebu,” said Pingoy in jest. “But it’s alright. I’m just going to take my time and enjoy what’s left of my high school career.”