Magnolia big man Marc Pingris retires from the PBA. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Marc Pingris, one of the best big men of his generation, has called it a career after 16 years in the PBA.
The 39-year-old Pingris announced his retirement on Instagram Tuesday night.
“I remember my name being called during the 2004 PBA Draft. Doon nagsimulang matupad ang pangarap ng isang batang palengke. 16 years na din ako sa PBA pero alam ko na ngayon na din ang tamang panahon para umpisahan ang bagong chapter ng buhay ko,” the nine-time PBA champion wrote.
(I remember my name being called during the 2004 PBA Draft. That’s when the dream of the kid, who worked as a market vendor, came true. I played 16 years in the PBA and I know this is the time to start the new chapter of my life.)
Pingris, who made sure to express his gratitude to those who helped and supported him—from his family, coaches and fans—was drafted third overall by the FedEx Express. He also played for San Miguel Beer but it was with Purefoods where he spent his best years.
The 6-foot-4 forward helped Purefoods win seven titles including a Grand Slam in 2014.
Apart from a decorated PBA career, Pingris also had a storied campaign for the national team as the heart and soul of Gilas Pilipinas.
Pingris played a key role in the Philippine team’s historic silver medal in the 2013 Fiba Asia Championship that booked the country’s return to the World Cup after 40 years. He was also part of the Gilas team that also won the silver in the 2015 Fiba Asia Championship.
Pingris, a two-time Finals MVP and three-time Defensive Player of the Year with 15 All-Star selections, battled through injuries in his last two seasons in the PBA.
Pingris only played 12 games in the 2018 PBA season after he tore his ACL in his right knee in Game 1 of the Philippine Cup semifinals. He returned the following year where he managed to play just 21 games.
He missed Magnolia’s campaign in the bubble last year after aggravating a right calf injury.
Pingris, whose impact on the court goes beyond the stat sheet, appeared in 658 games and had a career average of 7.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists and close to a block.