Marc Pingris and June Mar Fajardo during their time with Gilas Pilipinas. FIBA.BASKETBALL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Marc Pingris’ contributions are invaluable to Philippine basketball.
His peers made sure it was remembered shortly after the revered forward announced that he is retiring from basketball Tuesday night.
“Thank you Tol sa buong puso mo! Salamat at naging part kami ng Journey mo mula sa simula. Goodluck sa bagong Chapter. God Bless you and your Family! Happy retirement!” his former Gilas Pilipinas teammate Ranidel de Ocampo posted on social media.
(Thank you brother for all your heart! Thank you for being part of your journey since the beginning. Good luck on your new chapter. God bless you and your family! Happy retirement!)
“Thank you for everything you’ve done, Ping! Gave 100% every time you stepped out on the court. Truly inspiring getting to know you and your journey to the PBA. More blessings to you, roommate!” said former Gilas captain Gabe Norwood.
Pingris, de Ocampo and Norwood all shared a pair of silver medals in the Fiba Asia Championship including in 2013 where the Philippines also secured its first trip to the World Cup in 40 years.
The 39-year-old Pingris won nine PBA championships, including a Grand Slam with Purefoods in 2014.
“End of an era. Certainly one of a kind. I loved, in every way, coaching Ping. Tough as nails on the court, gentle in spirit off it. [Marc Pingris] will be the standard from which I coach future players. My fav,” Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone, who called the shots for Purefoods from 2011 to 2015, wrote on Twitter
End of an era. Certainly one of a kind. I loved, in every way, coaching Ping. Tough as nails on the court, gentle in spirit off it. @MPingris15 will be the standard from which I coach future players. My fav.
— Tim Cone (@manilacone) May 25, 2021
But it’s not only on the court where Pingris left a lasting impact.
“Tol [Marc] maraming salamat sa lahat ng memories at bonding natin, maraming salamat sa lahat ng mga tinuro mo sa kin di lang sa loob ng basketball court pati na rin sa buhay in general. Maraming salamat din sa pagiging isang magandang role model sa amin at sa mga susunod pa na generations.”
Mamimiss kita sa loob ng court for sure! Tol enjoy your retirement and congrats again sa successful career mo sa PBA! #pinoysakuragi15signingoff #respect #dotaboys,” San Miguel Beer center June Mar Fajardo, who considers Pingris as one of his mentors, wrote on his Instagram.
(Brother, thank you for all the memories and our bonding, thank you for everything you taught me not just inside the basketball court but also in life in general. Thank you also for being a good role model for us and for the next generation. We will miss you inside the court for sure! Bro enjoy your retirement and congrats again for having a successful PBA career!)
TNT forward Troy Rosario and San Miguel Beer guard Terrence Romeo also looked up to Pingris for his mentorship.
“Idol on and off the court,” said Rosario.
“”Maraming salamat kuya Marc sa lahat ng nagawa mo sa basketball. Isa ka sa mga iniidolo ko on and off the court. Napaka humble at napakabait mo at laging nandyan yung puso sa game! Salamat sa mga payo mo sakin kuya. Good luck sa next chapter ng life mo. God bless you and your family always!!” said Romeo.
(Thank you so much Marc for everything you’ve done in basketball. You’re one of my idols on and off the court. You’re very humble and kind and you always had your heart in the game! Thank you for all of your advice. Good luck on the next chapter of your life. God bless you and your family always!)