PETALING JAYA: The Malaysia Basketball Association (MABA) Facebook page was flooded with tributes to national cager Jacky Ng Kiat Kee who died of a heart attack in China on Sunday.
The 25-year-old Jacky, a power forward/centre, was with the national team in Jinjiang, China, for an invitational tournament.
He was on the bench when he collapsed and was rushed to hospital. He was pronounced dead two hours later.
At least 600 followers went on Facebook to send their final wishes to Jacky as of 9pm yesterday.
“I guess anything is possible. He was a team-mate of mine for eight years. When I heard he died of a heart attack, I was in a daze and cried,” posted Ho Yew Loong, who played together with Jacky for Selangor.
Westports Malaysia Dragons quartet of Kuek Tian Yuen, John Ng, B. Guganeswaran and Kwaan Yoong Jing also spoke of their utmost respect for Jacky.
“Teacher (a pet name for Jacky), why didn’t you inform us before leaving? I still remember the last time I met you was after you finished a match in Malacca the previous Sunday. I will always remember the look in your eyes so please rest in peace,” posted the 23-year-old Yoong Jing.
Forward Chong Juin Wip, who is still with the national team in China, said that Jacky’s death was akin to losing a brother.
“We’ve been team-mates for a long time and he was like a big brother to me,” said Juin Wip.
“We shared everything – from clothes to shoes and even watches.
“When I had no money, he would lend me some. He also made it a point to speak to me in English, knowing my proficiency in the language isn’t very good.
“Losing him was just like losing a real brother and I can only pray for him in his afterlife,” added Juin Wip.
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