Ex-USJR Jaguar Ardy Larong takes pride of biggest achievement in life | The Freeman

CEBU, Philippines — Former Cebu basketball star Ardy Larong feels proud and happy of all the things that he has achieved in life - on and off the playing court.

A tenacious hardcourt enforcer who is well known for his aggressive brand of play, Larong suited up for the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars under the guidance of coach Pablo Yu in the early days of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) way back in 2001.

While he was a reserve player of the Jaguars, Larong made an impression while playing for Bambi Cooking Oil in the Mandaue Industrial Commercial Athletic Association (MICAA).

"Didto ko nailhan. Ginatawag pa gani ko nga rookie sensation from Davao atong panahona," said the pride of Mabini, Davao de Oro.

During his three-year stint with the Jaguars, he saw action with Hapee Toothpaste of coach Jun Noel in the Cebu Basketball Federation (CBF) in 2002, and then with Jaz Cola of coach Jay Ramirez in 2003.

A year later, Larong formed part of Tribu Sugbo under the tutelage of Al Solis that beat Taguig to emerge as champions in the National Basketball Conference (NBC). He also had stints in the Philippine Basketball League (PBL) with Granny Goose Tortillas under coach Jun Tan in 2004, with Toyota Otis of coach Louie Alas from 2005 to 2006, and then back with Hapee in 2007.

"Gawas sa akong mama Elenita ug asawa nako karon nga si Reshelle nga misalig pag-ayo nako, pasalamat sab ko sa ako kanhi mga coaches labi na si 'Tay' coach Pablo Yu nga naghimo nakong tawo," said Larong.

"Si coach Jun Tan sab ug coach Al Solis nga gi-consider nako nga ikaduhang papa nga nagtudlo nako og life outside basketball which until now daladala nako. Salamat kaayo sa opportunity nga inyong gihatag sa akoa," the 6-foot-2 shooting guard/small forward continued.

Larong made special mention of Jessie Lumantas. "Usa siya sa mga tawo na kon wala siya, wala ko dire karon kung asa man ko," said Larong of his partner in crime who was a former star center of the Southwestern University (SWU) Cobras.

Larong considers his being selected by the Alaska Aces as No.6 pick in the second round during the 2007 PBA Rookie Draft as one of the most memorable moments of his