AS his breakout rookie year for Far Eastern University in UAAP Season 88 nears its end, college hoops fans are keeping tabs on Kirby Mongcopa on whether he’d opt to remain a rising star for the Tamaraws or carve out his path elsewhere.
Five months after Veejay Pre’s move from Morayta to the maroon side of Diliman, has the former UAAP high school finals MVP considered following his longtime juniors teammate out the door?
At least for now, the answer is a firm no.
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The reason? Mongcopa’s unwavering love for the green-and-gold, a bond that has only grown stronger even after a near career-altering motorcycle accident two years ago.
“Wala, wala, wala. Mahal ko ‘yung FEU,” he told SPIN.ph.
Mongcopa has drawn praise all season from his head coach Sean Chambers, who even likened the rookie forward to a hybrid of PBA legends Vergel Meneses and Alvin Patrimonio.
At just 20 years old, Mongcopa has already produced veteran-like numbers, averaging 11.69 points, 8.31 rebounds, 3.31 assists, and 1.31 blocks in over 28 minutes per game.
As one of the eight rookies on a young FEU squad, the experience has come with its highs and lows.
The challenge? Going up against seasoned opponents. The reward? Learning from them, all while soaking in the invaluable experience of life as a young collegiate standout.
“Ang pinaka-mahirap na siguro, ‘yung may mas eksperyensado kaysa sa inyo. ‘Yung sa pag-aadjust sa mga binabantayan mo, alam mong ‘yung iba, mga mas matagal na silang naglalaro kaysa sa’kin,” he said.
“Binabasa ko lang din talaga ‘yung mga laro nila dahil pagdating ng panahon, ako naman din ‘yung magiging mas eksperyensado na kapag may mga mas bata na.
“Pero nag-eenjoy lang talaga kami sa laro at marami ring natututunan sa mga mas may experience pa.”
With a chance to sneak into the Final Four if FEU beats UST and La Salle falls to Ateneo, Mongcopa admits the scenario is a bit nerve-wracking but he’s nonetheless ready to power through.
“Sa’min, ‘di naman kami masyadong na-pressure [buong season]. pero ‘yung kung paano lang makapasok sa Final Four, du’n lang ako nape-pressure ngayon, kung paano tatalunin ‘yung UST,” he said.
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