After two long years, Kirby Mongcopa finally stepped back onto the basketball court wearing the green and gold of Far Eastern University.
Back in 2023, the 6-foot-4 native of Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental figured in a motorcycle accident that fractured his left leg — an injury that forced him to miss the entirety of his senior high school years at Far Eastern University-Diliman.
“Nanibago pa ako kasi ayon nga, after two years, nakabalik na rin. Nakakapanibago pa rin at nalilito pa sa sistema ni Coach Sean [Chambers] at nag-aadjust pa sa katawan ko dahil wala sa kundisyon,” he admitted.
“Tuloy pa rin.”
Despite the long layoff, Mongcopa impressed in his first official game with the Tamaraws, tallying eight points, seven rebounds, and four assists to help lift FEU past UST, 72-63, in the Playtime Filoil EcoOil 18th Preseason Cup.
Mongcopa expressed deep gratitude to FEU for standing by him throughout his rehabilitation.
“Since pagkaaksidente ko, nandoon na [ang FEU]. FEU ang nagdala sa akin na maglaro dito ulit. Sila nagpapagaling sa akin,” the UAAP Season 85 Finals MVP shared.
“Yung coach namin sa PT, si Coach Simon, at tsaka yung mga coaches at mga teammates ko at sila Boss Anton Montinola.”
(C) Bin Cuevas
But returning to the team also meant facing changes — most notably, the absence of his best friend, Veejay Pre, who has since transferred to UP. The two were once touted to be the one-two punch that would bring FEU back to prominence.
“Hindi ko naman iniisip sa sarili ko na mapunta ako sa ganon na level na kailangan mag-compare sa iba kasi yung pagkawala ni Veejay, parang wala lang, tuloy pa rin kami,” said Mongcopa.
“Walang nagbabago. Parehas lang, Kirby Mongcopa pa rin.
“Na-pressure ako dahil ayon nga yung sinasabi nila. Pero wala yan, laban lang nang laban,” he added.
Now fully recovered, Mongcopa feels determined to lead the Tamaraws alongside close friends JR Pasaol, Jedric Daa, and Liam Salangsang.
He’s playing for those who stayed — and for the goals they still share.
“Yung goal ko? Makasama ko na lahat ng teammate ko na manalo every game namin na mapunta kami sa Finals at mapunta kami kahit Final Four or mas maganda pag Finals ngayon,” he said.
