Drive in life: Chris Ross gets college degree at 36

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

 

One of the most decorated point guards the PBA has ever seen is celebrating right now, but not inside the basketball court.

San Miguel Beermen star orchestrator Chriss Ross proudly announced that he already finished his tertiary education from Marshall University at the age of 36.

Indeed, things are never too late for success when the skinny guard from Marshall decided to leave his school and pursue a professional basketball career in the Philippines 13 years ago.

Ross was the third overall pick by Air21 during the 2009 PBA Draft and did not expect how his career will go in the big boys’ league.

In just a blink of an eye, Ross’ sacrifice of moving to the Philippines paid off bigtime after forming a dynasty with the Beermen together with Alex Cabagnot, Arwind Santos, Marcio Lassiter, and June Mar Fajardo.

The six-foot-one guard became one of the best league defenders and even collected various awards such as the Best Player of the Conference, two Finals MVP, and an astounding eight PBA championships.

“Yesterday, May 1, 2021, I officially graduated from Marshall University. It was a long time coming but I used quarantine as a time to better myself and finishing some things that I didn’t get to finish when I was first presented with the situation,” Ross posted on his Instagram account.

Ross earned a degree in Business Management and Marketing and is already thinking of launching his own business as part of his post-retirement plans.

“I wish I was able to go back to campus and walk the stage but unfortunately I wasn’t. I’m proud and giving myself a pat on the back for never giving up on myself and finally getting it done,” continued Ross on his post.