Getting to know PBA star Chris Ross

Chris Ross

Aside from binge-watching telenovelas, cheering for PBA teams is a favorite pastime of Pinoys. PBA players are mobbed like show biz celebs in this country.

In the recent PBA All-Filipino Cup, Chris Ross of the San Miguel Beermen (SMB) emerged as the biggest star of the conference, after he was named Most Valuable Player of the finals for a second year.

When I texted Chris to congratulate him, his reply cracked me up. He said: “Every part of my body hurts. I will stay in bed for two weeks. I need a new body.”

What a hard-earned victory it was, because they were up against the league’s most popular team, Ginebra San Miguel.

Everything is coming up “Rosses” for Chris.

Here’s my chat with Chris Ross:

How do you feel about being a PBA superstar now? I don’t look at myself as a superstar. I want all my teammates to get all the credit. I’m more of a low-key kind of guy.

What was the key factor in SMB’s “three-peat” victory? Everyone in the team is very talented and had to sacrifice some of their personal goals for the team to really take off.

What are your rituals before and after a game? I have the same breakfast—a quarter cup of rice, chicken tocino and longganisa with three eggs—then I watch TV and have pasta for lunch. Heading to the venue, I listen to R&B. I get there about two hours before the game. I take warm-up shots and chew a piece of gum.

After a game, I always get on Instagram so everyone can follow me (@cmross6).

Are you open to the idea of joining show biz? I don’t think I could do that because I’m really shy. But maybe if the opportunity presented itself.

What’s the craziest thing that a fan did for you? When they ask if I could accompany them to the tattoo parlor, so they could get my name tattooed on them.

What’s your advice to aspiring PBA players? Work hard on your craft every single day and never be discouraged.

What do you find hard to understand about women? The perception of women being the weaker sex. They create life, and I think that’s the most powerful thing ever.

What would it take for a girl to pin you down? I’m an easygoing person, so a girl should love to smile and laugh.

What are you like off the court? I’m very shy and chill.

If you would give yourself a PBA moniker, what would it be? The “People Pleaser”

How do you handle defeat? I’d be in a bad mood for a few hours, but when I see my dog, he puts me in a good mood.

How would you like to be remembered? I’d like to be remembered as a player who fought hard every night, and played 150 percent.