A natural athlete himself, Maoi got obsessed with the sport as a youngster and quickly became well-known as he joined every local street league in his hometown in San Pedro, Laguna.
He was ranked as one of the top High School recruits from his class and various College basketball scouts from Manila were quick to notice the potential of the budding star way before graduating.
After high school, Maoi decided to fulfill his childhood dream of playing for the De La Salle Green Archers.
[1] Roca played for the De La Salle Green Archers at the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) from 1994 to 1998.
[2] As an actor, Roca made appearances in Tropang Trumpo of ABC-5 (now TV5) with Carmina Villarroel and Gelli de Belen.