Ex-PBA player Joey Mente succumbs to cancer at 42

Former PBA player Joey Mente has passed away after succumbing to stage 4 lung cancer at age 42.

His niece Ivy Catucod confirmed the development to GMA News Online.

Mente is survived by two daughters, Inah (17) and Joyce (13).

Family members took to social media to pay their final respects for the 10th overall pick by the San Miguel Beermen in the 2001 draft.

Catucod said the family was overwhelmed with messages, phone calls, and social media posts about her uncle.

"He touched many people’s hearts," she said. "Especially yung mga kabataan na may pangarap rin sa basketball field."

She also thanked everyone who supported Mente during his battle with cancer, including former teammates with the San Miguel Beermen and the Iloilo MegaVoltz in the Metropolitan Basketball Association.

"Firstly, we wanna thank the Lord Jesus for saving him and providing for everything he needed when he was fighting from cancer. We wanna thank everyone also who helped and supported him when he got sick," she said.

"Thanks to his MBA family, Iloilo MegaVoltz Family, PBA Legends Foundation, PBA, San Miguel Beermen Family. Also to our family and friends. Pati mga fans ni Tito Joey."

Mente gained cult status in the PBA after winning the 2001 slam dunk competition. He was a member of San Miguel teams that won the 2001 All-Filipino title and the 2005 Commissioner's Cup.

His remains lie in wake at the family home in Capul, Northern Samar. —JST, GMA News