Former PBA guard Marata dies in New York

Former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) player Ricardo "Ric-Ric" Marata died early Saturday morning in New York. He was 45. Marata died due to complications after undergoing operation on his intestines. Considered as one of the best guards who came from the Visayas, Marata made his mark while playing for nine seasons in five PBA ballclubs. He played from 1989 to 1997 and started his PBA career with Alaska Milk. Marata also suited up for Sta. Lucia, Sunkist and Pop Cola. He is survived by wife Charo and children Ricardo Jr., Danica and Nico. Marata averaged 6.8 points, 2.9 assists, 1.7 rebounds and 0.96 steals in the 397 games he played for Alaska, Sarsi/Swift/Sunkist, Sta. Lucia and Pop Cola from 1989-1997. The speedy 5-foot-7 playmaker, who is also a deadly outside shooter, played a total of 397 games as a pro where he averaged 6.8 points per outing. News of Marata’s death was relayed by former PBA player Abe King, known in the PBA as the Chairman of the Board, through social networking website Facebook. He is currently working in Seattle when he learned about Marata’s death. – GMANews.TV