INQUIRER Sports

JAYSON NOCOM, a tough-playing power forward and former skipper of the Jose Rizal University in the NCAA, died early Monday due to head injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident in Lipa City.

He was 23.

The 6-foot-4 Nocom served as skipper of the Heavy Bombers when they placed second behind the San Beda Red Lions. He scored 16 points in Game 2 as the Bombers extended the NCAA Finals to a winner-take-all Game 3.

"The entire JRU community is deeply saddened by his death," said Bombers coach Ariel Vanguardia. "We will always remember Jayson as a very hardworking player and a good role model to his teammates."

Nocom joined the Oracle Residences squad that won a seventh straight crown for the Mikee Romero franchise in the PBL recently.

Before his death, Nocom was also being eyed by Harbour Centre team manager Erick Arejola for the RP squad that will vie in the soon-to-be-launched Asean Basketball League.

Nocom, who hails from Victoria, Oriental Mindoro, remained close to the Bombers after using up his eligibility, staying in the athletes' dormitory and joining the players in workouts.

"He was a big brother to the other players in the team," Vanguardia said of Nocom, who played three seasons for JRU. "He is their protector on the court. We are very, very sad. The players want to win the title this year for him."

Vanguardia said Nocom was pronounced dead on arrival at the Mary Mediatrix Medical Center in Lipa around midnight Monday. His remains were to be transferred from Calamba, Laguna, to Pacific Funeral parlor in Kalentong, Mandaluyong, last night.

Nocom was set to earn his Business Management degree from JRU in March next year.

Tributes poured as news of Nocom's death reached the basketball community.

"Jayson was tough and physical on the court but he is a great friend off the court," said former San Beda player Ogie Menor, Nocom's teammate in the RP Under-18 Youth Team.

"The PBL condoles with the family of Jayson Nocom," a league statement said. "Oracle owner Mikee Romero is shocked by the death of one of the league's most promising players."

"The NCAA will miss a player with determination and passion," said NCAA president Fr. Mat de Jesus of San Beda.