MANILA – Magnolia Hotshots forward Jean Marc Pingris has signed off from the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) after 16 seasons, which was decorated with nine championships, including a grandslam feat.
The 6-foot-4 Pingris, known for his moniker of “Pinoy Sakuragi” due to his hustle plays on the court, took to Instagram last night to formalize his retirement, two years since he last don the Hotshots’ jersey.
“Sixteen years na din ako sa PBA pero alam ko na ngayon na din ang tamang panahon para umpisahan ang bagong chapter ng buhay ko,” said the Pozorrubio, Pangasinan-native player.
Pingris started his basketball career in Manila after being recruited by the Philippine School and Business Administration. He then moved to Far Eastern University Tamaraws in UAAP.
After his collegiate stint, Pingris went on to play for the Cebu City Gems in the defunct Metropolitan Basketball Association and then with the Welcoat Paint Masters in the Philippine Basketball League.
He started his PBA career in 2004 when he was drafted third overall by FedEx Express. After two years, he had his first stint with the Hotshots franchise where he captured his first PBA title in 2005.
Pingris was traded to the San Miguel Beermen in 2008 and won his second PBA crown. He was shipped back to the Hotshots in 2009, where he spent the remainder of his PBA career.
Pingris had his success as a PBA cager in his second foray with the Hotshots after forming a trio with fellow retiree Peter June Simon and Negrense James Yap (now with Rain or Shine Elasto Painters) and won numerous titles, including a grandslam in 2014.
“(Former Magnolia head coach) Tim (Cone), it’s because of you that I grew to understand the sport as more than a game. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to become part of history with our 2014 grandslam,” said Pingris.
The 39-year-old Pingris also had a memorable stint with the Gilas Pilipinas and became part of the national team in the 2012 FIBA World Cup in Spain.
“I am proud to have played the game I love. It has been a glorious 16 years, #pinoysakuragi15signingoff,” Pingris concluded his post./PN
