Grieving Chris Ross vows to come back stronger following father's death: 'My pops would want nothing less'

Chris Ross is expected to suit up for the San Miguel Beermen as soon as he returns to court following a lengthy break due to the sudden death of his father.

Ross is now in the Philippines after spending a couple of months in the United States. He is currently undergoing the mandatory quarantine and is tipped to rejoin the Beermen as they continue their campaign in the postponed 2021 Governors' Cup.

In an Instagram post, the 36-year-old Ross said he's ready to play anew as his father "would want nothing less."

He wrote, "2021 was as devastating as they come. It started off bad and I was in a deep hole mentally and I dug myself out then it ended with the most difficult three months of my life!"

"We lost my pops unexpectedly in November before the holidays and it absolutely crushed me and my family," he added.

Ross' return would be a big boost for the Beermen, who are currently on a roll with a three-game winning streak in the ongoing import-flavored conference.

Obviously still grieving, Ross, a two-time PBA Defensive Player of the Year, said he's ready to face the new year as he tries to continue the legacy of his late father.

"I took time off from basketball to be around [my] family but with the turn of the new year I’m in the process of pulling myself out of that dark hole," he said.

"My pops would want nothing less. So here is to 2022! I’m ready, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Love and miss you pops. Your legacy will live on forever I promise you!" — LA, GMA News