Regardless of the new changes to the UAAP ‘s residency rules, Cebuano juniors star Jerie Marlon Pingoy is dead set on joining the Ateneo Blue Eagles and is prepared to wait for two years for a chance to play at his “dream school.”
This was confirmed yesterday by the two-time UAAP MVP’s father, Jerry Pingoy, in an e interview yesterday afternoon.
The elder Pingoy, himself a former star in his own right having played for several seasons in the PBA out of the University of the Visayas, said it has always been his son’s dream to one day play for Ateneo.
Now, with the Blue Eagles calling, the opportunity is just too sweet to pass up on.
“Sukad bata pa na siya, damgo jud niya na makaduwa para sa Ateneo. Karon na ang Ateneo na mismo ang gusto mukuha sa iyaha, sayang kaayo ang opportunity if buy-an pa sa akoang anak ni,” said Jerry, who uprooted his entire family to be based in Manila to support his son’s burgeoning career.
Last season, the younger Pingoy steered Far Eastern University -(FEU) Diliman its first juniors title in 25 years, putting a stamp on his high school career.
However, a new wrinkle in the residency rules has cropped up, thereby delaying Pingoy’s entry into the collegiate ranks should he choose to enroll in Ateneo.
Under the amendments, which were approved last Tuesday, graduating high school players transferring from one UAAP school to another will have to wait two years before being able to suit up for his new team.
This means Pingoy will only see action for the Blue Eagles in 2015. If he were to choose FEU, he will be eligible to play right away. Even with these changes, the elder Pingoy maintains that his son is on his way to the Eagles’ nest.
“Maayo man kaayo ang pagtagad sa FEU sa akoang anak. Nindot kaayo sila ug basketball program. Pero I want what’s best for my son, especially for his future and that includes his education,” Jerry added.
The elder Pingoy also said that he has spoken to Ateneo’s chief backer, Manny V. Pangilinan, who promised him that regardless of the new rules, Jerie will be treated as a member of the Team A and will enjoy all the perks, including being part of the Blue Eagles’ overseas training that will take part in Japan and in the United States this summer.
Meanwhile, another player affected by the new ruling, Southwestern University’s (SWU) Ben Mbala, also maintained his stance on transferring to La Salle.
“The new rules won’t change my mind,” said Mbala, who helped steer SWU to the Cesafi crown last year.