Hotshots’ Pingris returns but still ‘at 60 percent’

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

BOCAUE — Marc Pingris indeed got his Christmas wish as he fought through a bad back and played in Magnolia’s Christmas Day tussle against Ginebra on Monday.

“I was also surprised that I played,” Pingris admitted. “But I really thank coach that I was able to play. At least, he still believes in me even though I’m still not in a good condition.”

Pingris made his season debut at the cavernous Philippine Arena, seeing action for 25 minutes and chimed in six points, five rebounds, two assists, and a block for the Hotshots.

Unfortunately for Pingris, his Christmas wish didn’t come in full as his efforts weren’t enough as Magnolia fell to Ginebra, 78-89.

Still, Pingris feels better as the days go by, noting that he’s slowly gaining grounds in terms of his recovery.

“I’m at 60 percent now,” Pingris said as he continues to work his way back to tip-top shape. “I need to regain my timing and my breathing. I rested for 10 days and I still hasn’t recovered from that. Coach has been handling me with caution in our practices.”

And he’s just keeping a positive view for the Hotshots as they take the extended break as a chance to recover and recuperate from their respective injuries, with a better showing in 2018 all in mind and putting this defeat to the Gin Kings behind.

“Every time we lose, we learn a lot. And we’re still positive that we can make it to the semis. But before we do that, we need to work on our mistakes. We need to blend well with each other, and I believe that we can still improve,” he said.

Fortunately for Magnolia, it goes on a 16-day break before facing Kia on January 10.