ESPORTS CAREER BECKONS PINGRIS
Retired cager wants Esports team
The scent of champagne has yet to subside, but Marc Pingris is already looking at facing yet another massive challenge following his retirement from the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
In an interview with Daily Tribune, the 39-year-old power forward said he is looking at the possibility of assembling a competitive Esports team now that he is retired from professional basketball.
Nothing is concrete at the moment, but Pingris is planning to invite the “DOTA boys” of the PBA like June Mar Fajardo of San Miguel Beer, Greg Slaughter and Robert Bolick of NorthPort, Kiefer Ravena of NLEX and Japeth Aguilar of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in his new team.
He admitted that their skills may not be at par with other professional clubs like Mobile Legends Professional League champion Blacklist International, Execration, Aura PH or Bren Esports, but they are still ready to give it a try.
“We’re still talking about it — me and the DOTA boys — we’ll try to see what will work. Anyway, we have nothing to lose,” said Pingris, who joined James Yap and PJ Simon in leading the Magnolia franchise to a rare grand slam in 2014.
I could try playing professionally, but my DOTA skills are not yet at par even if I’ve been playing for years.
“We don’t deny the fact that there’s big money in Esports today and players are sticking with it, especially since they really enjoy playing. For me, the lack of self-control may be the biggest challenge. There has to be a balance.”
DOTA 2 has served as the diversion of Pingris in his colorful 16-year professional career.
He said unlike other basketball players who would hang out in bars or malls, Pingris said he would rather spend his breaks at home, pulling an all-nighter while playing video games with friends.
In fact, he got to know Fajardo after bumping into each other while playing DOTA at a shop in Metrowalk.
“I couldn’t forget how we first met in Metrowalk,” Fajardo said in a short message to Pingris after his gaming pal formally announced his retirement.
“I was still in the ABL (Asean Basketball League) at that time and we were playing DOTA. You were not talking to me back then.”
“You only started talking to me when you wanted to play with me because you needed someone who would help you in DOTA because you always lose. That was the start. Since then, we always play HON (Heroes of Newerth) and DOTA with Jun Cabatu.”
Pingris confirmed Fajardo’s narrative, saying that he uses Esports as a way to divert his intensity and competitiveness inside the court, especially during breaks and off-seasons.
We’re still talking about it — me and the DOTA boys — we’ll try to see what will work. Anyway, we have nothing to lose.
“Even back then, I would rather stay home and play instead of going out to party. Although I still go out in respect to my teammates, when I get home, I just rest and play,” said Pingris, who is also hooked on Counter Strike, Half-Life, and Command & Conquer: Red Alert.
“We enjoy a bit of trash talking, but we don’t cuss at each other. We always keep our cool whenever we play.”
As a testament to his competitive nature in Esports, Pingris did DOTA streams in his social media page when he teamed up with Fajardo, Carlo “Kuku” Palad of Geek Fam, Ryan “Bimbo” Jay Qui and Michael “ninjaboogie” Ross Jr. of Mineski to prevail over Ravena, Aguilar, Kenneth “Flysolo” Coloma of GoodFellaz, Marc Polo Luis “Raven” Fausto of Geek Fam and Nico “eyyou” Barcelon of TNC Predator in the Mineski Esports Lockdown Games: Showmatch.
The event was a charity fundraiser for the benefit of the Philippine General Hospital medical foundation.
“For me, there is just something about basketball that really makes you sweat and strengthen your body. Esports is more home-based,” Pingris said.
“I could try playing professionally, but my DOTA skills are not yet at par even if I’ve been playing for years.”