After a colorful 16 years career at the Philippine Basketball Association, “Pinoy Sakuragi” Marc Pingris announced he’s hanging up his jersey for good.
“Pinoy Sakuragi” Marc Pingris, is hanging his jersey for good after 16 decorated years in the PBA.
The 39-year-old Pingris announced his retirement with a video uploaded on Instagram Tuesday night, recalling how he dreamt of being a professional basketball player in the prestigious league.
“I remember my name being called during the 2004 PBA Draft. Doon nagsimulang matupad ang pangarap ng isang batang palengke. 16 years na din ako sa PBA pero alam ko na ngayon na din ang tamang panahon para umpisahan ang bagong chapter ng buhay ko,” the post read.
The 6-foot-4 Pangasinense won nine championships, including the league's fifth Grand Slam in the 2014 season.
The power forward was drafted by FedEx Express as the 3rd pick in the 2004 draft and played one season for the organization before spending his career with Purefoods franchise making a name for himself as a defensive expert.
Under coach Ryan Gregorio, Pingris, together with James Yap and Paul Artadi, captured the 2006 Philippine Cup championship – his first and the team’s seventh overall championship – and ended up being named as the Finals MVP of that conference, his first of two in his career.
He went on to play one season with San Miguel Beer which was known as the Magnolia Beverage Masters, bagging the 2009 Fiesta Cup with coach Siot Tanquingcen, came back with Purefoods franchise the following year, and brought home the prestigious Philippine Cup championship right away.
Pingris’ homecoming with the Purefoods franchise resulted in seven more championships in addition to yet another Finals MVP award, Most Improved Player, and three Defensive Player of the Year awards.
The Pinoy Sakuragi also flourished in the international stage where Pingris won a Southeast Asian Games gold medal in 2003, two silvers in the FIBA Asia Championship in 2013 and 2015, and another silver in the 2015 William Jones Cup. He also played in the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Spain.
Reactions
Tim Cone, the current Ginebra coach who mentored Pingris for four seasons with the Purefoods franchise, had nothing but appreciation for Marc.
"End of an era. Certainly one of a kind. I loved, in every way, coaching Ping. Tough as nails on the court, gentle in spirit off it. (Marc Pingris) will be the standard from which I coach future players. My fave," wrote Cone on Twitter.
Support from his brothers in the league were overflowing as congratulatory posts were everywhere after the news of his retirement broke out.
Gabe Norwood posted on Instagram: "One of the true GREATS of the PBA is hanging up his kicks. Greatly appreciate you, (Marc Pingris)! Competing against you and repping the flag together are memories that'll stay with me forever. More power to you, roommate!"
San Miguel center June Mar Fajardo also wrote on Instagram: "Salamat 'tol sa friendship at bilang kuya! Good luck sa bagong career mo at enjoy retirement! Mami-miss kita sa loob ng court!"
Fellow retiree, Ranidel de Ocampo, also wrote on Instagram: "Thank you 'tol sa buong puso mo! Salamat at naging part kami ng journey mo mula sa simula. Good luck sa bagong chapter. God bless you and your family! Happy retirement!"
(NP)
Tags: #basketball, #PhilippineBasketballAssociation, #MarcPingris, #retirement