Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net
Marc Pingris will be out for the next six to eight months after tearing his ACL in his left knee.
Magnolia governor Rene Pardo bared the news on Monday as the 36-year-old forward is now ruled out for the rest of the conference.
“Dr. (Raul) Canlas confirmed it this morning,” the amiable executive shared.
Pingris hurt his knee on Saturday while he was driving to the basket at the 4:39 mark of the fourth quarter in Game 1 of the 2018 PBA Philippine Cup semifinals against NLEX
He writhed in pain while clutching his left knee and was stretchered off back to the dugout. He was then sent to St. Luke’s Medical Center after the game.
Without Pingris, the Hotshots lost the semis opener, 88-87.
Pardo said Pingris still wanted to go to the Mall of Asia to provide an inspirational boost to his teammates in Game 2, but was advised to stay at home.
“We told him to not go to the game because his knee is still swollen. We just advised him to call the players. I’m sure they will appreciate hearing from you,” the governor recalled.
Pingris is set to undergo knee surgery later this week.
The Hotshots will honor their fallen leader by sporting a tape with No. 15 on their jerseys.