Marc Pingris, PJ Simon honored in jersey retirement ceremony

PJ Simon and Marc Pingris during their formal jersey retirement on Christmas day. PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—Marc Pingris and Peter June Simon had their jersey numbers immortalized on Sunday as they joined the greatest players of the Purefoods franchise to receive such honor.

The jersey retirement was done at halftime of the Magnolia-Barangay Ginebra match in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum on Christmas Day with Pingris’ no.15 and Simon’s no.8 now ineligible for future players of the franchise to use.

Pillars of the Purefoods’ franchise dominance in the early and mid 2010s, Pingris and Simon led the club to eight titles including the 2014 Grand Slam with head coach Tim Cone.

PJ Simon and Marc Pingris during their formal jersey retirement on Christmas day. PBA IMAGES

Pingris, who won one of his nine championships with San Miguel, got emotional during the ceremony and thanked his mother for raising him and making him into the man he became.

“I want to honor my mother for raising us right, I never expected that a kid who grew in the market would be able to play in the PBA,” said Pingris, who retired in May, in Filipino. To every kid watching, always remember to work hard. Talent isn’t going to cut it if you don’t have the heart.”

Pingris and Simon joins Alvin Patrimonio (no.16), Jerry Codiñera (no.44), and Rey Evangelista (no.7) to have their jersey retired with the Purefoods franchise.

Simon was the first to retire  he announced that he would be leaving the PBA in September last year.

Pingris, who is part of the PBA’s 40 Greatest Players, followed his long-time teammate into retirement last May.