Pingris back on track
Throughout his career, Marc Pingris has always been regarded as the ultimate role player. So it came as a surprise when the man called as “Pinoy Sakuragi” achieved a milestone in scoring during Star’s last win over Kia Picanto.
Pingris became the 86th player in PBA history to breach the 5,000-point mark and for the many- time all- defensive team member, the achievement was like a big shock for him.
Looking back, Pingris was known to be an energy guy, an essential element to every team he has played for.
He burst onto the scene in 2004-2005 season, selected by FedEx Express as its third overall pick in the Draft. After playing for a few games with the Express, he was traded to Purefoods in the post-Alvin Patrimonio era.
With James Yap taking care of the scoring cudgels, Pingris was brought in to do the dirty work for the Hotdogs, whom he helped lead to winning the 2005-2006 Philippine Cup crown as well as the 2010 All-Filipino.
Pingris would continue doing it for the old Purefoods franchise until Time Cone took over coaching the squad.
Under Cone, Pingris played a bigger role, not just in getting the boards, but also on the team’s defensive schemes. He would become the squad’s catalyst on defense as the hardworking 6-foot-5 forward became the anchor of the team when it comes to making stops. He would take pride guarding on any player — from high-scoring guards like Jayson Castro and Terrence Romeo to the imports and even the best big men in the land.
The energy he brings to the team is somewhat infectious, rubbing it to the rest of the squad that even guys like Yap and PJ Simon, known to be as scorers, would embrace Cone’s defensive philosophy.
Pingris would also assume the role as speaker to his teammates. He’s the most vocal player during practice and inside the court. He would predict a team victory but backing up his big talk with a big performance on the defensive end.
At the old Purefoods franchise, Pingris has won seven championships, including a grand slam in 2014, but that was the last diadem he had experienced and he’s waiting for the right moment when the next one will come.
His latest scoring milestone is something special, especially for a role player like him, but nothing would be more special for Pingris than to lead his team back to the championship round.
The Star Hotshots nearly made it all the way to the finals in the Philippine Cup during coach Chito Victolero’s first conference, but they lost to Cone and the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings.
Pingris and the rest of the Hotshots’ road back to glory would be a stiffer challenge this time, but with Pingris returning healthier, stronger and more determined after being sidelined for about six months due to a hip injury, the team is ready for the mission.
That night when Pingris got his 5,000 points might be the start of something good for the seasoned veteran who is slowly getting back to the peak of his game — and hopefully to lead his team to where they usually belong.