It took playing against his former coach to finally accept that Tim Cone was now on the other side.
With Star battling Cone and his new Ginebra crew, the energetic forward said that it was only when he finally saw Cone barking instructions to the Gin Kings that he came to grips with the reality of their situation.
“Sa akin, ngayon ko lang natanggap na nasa kabila na siya. Of course, nakakapanibago,” he said.
But rather than dwell on the loss of his former mentor, Pingris instead treasured his four years with Cone that culminated in a Grand Slam in 2014 and maintained that he is happy with the new challenge for the league’s winningest coach.
“Proud pa rin ako na naging coach ko siya dati. Masaya ako na napunta na siya sa Ginebra. Kami naman, laro lang naman. Sa labas naman, magkakaibigan pa rin kami,” he said.
But he couldn’t hide his emotions anymore at the conclusion of the Hotshots’ 86-78 triumph over Ginebra, approaching Cone before giving him some parting words, saying, “Sabi ko lang sa kanya,’ I miss you coach. Thank you sa lahat.’ Sabi nya, ‘Good game. I’m very proud of you.'”
As Pingris moves on, he is focused on winning for the Hotshots, no matter who is in charge.
“Wala naman kaming kailangang patunayan kay coach Tim. Ang gusto lang namin, manalo, kahit sinong coach pa yan,” he said.