Maoi Roca

To read this article in Filipino, see Maoi Roca

Maoi Recampo Roca (12 December 1974- 14 January 2022) was a basketball player-turned-celebrity.

Early Life and Education

He was born on 12 December 1974. He was introduced to basketball by his athlete father, Bobby Roca. He then joined every local street league in his hometown in San Pedro, Laguna. As a teenager, he made a name for himself as San Pedro’s best varsity basketball player.

He also ranked as one of the top high school recruits from his class and college basketball scouts from Manila were quick to notice his potential as a budding basketball star way before graduating from Saint Francis School in San Pedro.

Career

Roca suited up for De La Salle University in the UAAP. He played for La Salle from 1994 to 1998 and helped lead the Green Archers to a championship in Season 61 in 1998. He earned a selection to the UAAP Mythical Team.

After college, he played for the Batangas Blades in the Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA). He got drafted by Tanduay at No. 32 overall in the 2001 PBA Draft.

While playing basketball, Roca also pursued a career in the entertainment industry. He appeared as a regular in the gag show Tropang Trumpo, where he starred with Carmina Villaroel and Gelli de Belen. He also appeared as a co-host in IBC’s Ano Ba’ng Hanap Mo? with Mickey Ferriols and Hyubs.

Death

He passed away on 14 January 2022 due to diabetic complications. He was 47. Tributes and condolences were extended to Roca and his family by former teammates and coaches.

References

• Dioquino, Delfin.“Cager-turned-celebrity Maoi Roca dies”. Rappler. (Accessed on 17 February 2022).
• Ramos, Gerry.“Maoi Roca passes away due to diabetic complications”. Spin.ph. (Accessed on 17 February 2022).
• “Basketball Star and Actor Maoi Roca Dies”. Esquire. (Accessed on 17 February 2022).

Citation

Original content from WikiPilipinas. under GNU Free Documentation License. See full disclaimer.