Veteran Jercules Tangkay raring to prove he still got the moves

Jercules “Jojo” Tangkay shown here during the Builders’ loss to Canada during the second day of the Jump10 World Hoops Challenge in Shanghai, China. / CONTRIBUTED PHOTO, Jump10 Philippines

CEBU CITY, Philippines – Veteran Cebuano hooper Jercules “Jojo” Tangkay cannot hide his excitement to get back into action after a year of inactivity due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tangkay, who played for Basilan Steels in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), was one of the many professional basketball players who were rendered inactive for months by last year’s lockdown.

During the pandemic, Tangkay worked as a company driver in Cebu as his primary source of income. But with the resumption of professional sports, the flashy player said he can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.

The 45-year old Tangkay, from Aloguinsan, southwestern Cebu, will suit up for the ARQ Builders-Lapu-Lapu City Heroes in the Visayas Leg of the inaugural Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup.

“Almost a year siguro ko wala ka duwa. Dugay-dugay na jud uy. Last nako duwa kadto pa pag November 2019, friendly game ra gani to,” Tangkay told CDN Digital during the Heroes’ team practice at the Capitol Parish gym in uptown, Cebu City on March 3, 2021.

Tangkay said that it was very tough for him and his family during the lockdown in 2020 as he has no stable income. Thus, he decided to work as a company driver for months and momentarily left basketball behind.

“Pag lockdown naa ra jud ko sa balay. Wala na jud ko naka kuput ug bola. Lisud kaayo ang kinabuhi ato nga time kay wala jud ko source of income para sa akong pamilya mao nag company driver na lang ko,” Tangkay revealed.

With the Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup just around the corner, Tangkay cannot hide his excitement to flash his acrobatic moves once again.

“Nindot kaayo ang feeling makabalik na ug duwa. Nindot kaayo ang feeling makauban nimo ug makaduwa nimo ug balik imong mga kauban nga players ug mga amigo sa uban team. At least karon naa nami source of income tungod ani nga liga,” Tangkay said.

GETTING BACK HIS OLD FORM

Even at 45, Tangkay managed to remain physically fit, so he is always ready whenever he is called to play.

Tangkay played for the Southwestern University back in high school. The Sta Lucia Realtors drafted him in 2001 in the PBA.

The two-time PBL MVP revealed that he is still struggling to get back to form after a year of inactivity.

“Wala jud ko sa condition karon. Nabag-ohan jud ko karon kay one year kapin na jud ko wala ka duwa. Ako lang gibuhat sa practice nag pacing lang ko para dili makalitan,” was Tangkay’s self assessment.

He is also confident that his team will do well in their upcoming Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup. “Confident ko sa team namo, kung intact lang mi pirmi and in-shape ang mga players pirmi, maka compete jud mi sa uban team,” said Tangkay.

The Heroes’ roster is a combination of veteran and young players who will debut in the pro basketball scene.

Tangkay’s best advice for the veterans — make the most out of their experience. “For first-timers in the professional league, akong best advise nila, himuon ni nila as their stepping stone. Ilahang ipakita unsa ilang kalidad sa basketball kay tagsa ra ni nga opportunity nga mapili sila ug duwa ug professional team,” Tangkay said. /rcg