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Chris Ross earns college diploma at 36 years old
With a stockpile of eight PBA titles, two Finals MVP plums, and other hardcourt accolades, Chris Ross has already achieved so much in his basketball career.
Off the court, however, there's still something missing in his trophy display: a college diploma.
On May 1, the seasoned San Miguel Beer guard finally earned it.
"It was a long time coming but I used quarantine as a time to better myself and finish some things that I didn't get to finish when I was first presented with the situation," Ross said on Instagram, Tuesday.
The Filipino-American playmaker said he is now a college graduate after finishing his studies at Marshall University, a state university based in Huntington, West Virginia.
It was also in Marshall where the 36-year-old cager further realized his hoops dream after playing for the school from 2005 to 2007.
With the pandemic, however, Ross could not enjoy a traditional graduation march and had to make do with an online ceremony.
"I wish I was able to go back to campus and walk the stage but unfortunately I wasn't," he said.
"I'm proud and giving myself a pat on the back for never giving up on myself and finally getting it done! I'm officially a college graduate!" he added.
Since plunging into the league in 2009 as the third overall pick of Burger King Whoppers, Ross has been one of the most promising guards of his time.
The 6-foot-1 veteran won all of his championships with his current ballclub Beermen, where he distinguished himself as a defensive point guard.
He improved his offense over time and bagged a Best Player of the Conference once in 2017 Commissioner's Cup.
Ross is a five-time PBA All-Star and was a member of the PBA Mythical First team in 2017. He was named to the All-Defensive Team six times in a row from 2015 to 2020.
—Bea Micaller/MGP, GMA News
