PBA stars pay tribute to Marc Pingris after announcing his retirement
Just like the beloved character Hanamichi Sakuragi of the Japanese anime Slam Dunk, Marc Pingris, who is dubbed as the Pinoy Sakuragi, is best remembered for his explosive skills on court.
This is why it's no surprise that many were saddened about his decision to retire from professional basketball.
In a lengthy post on Instagram, the 39-year-old basketball star announced that he's retiring from PBA after playing for 16 years.
Part of his statement read, “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.”
Marc Immediately received a lot of messages and well-wishes from the biggest names in Philippine basketball following his announcement.
On his Instagram post, James Yap remembered the brotherhood and friendship he and Marc built when they were still playing together in a team.
His post read, "Our brotherhood and friendship started with basketball pero alam ko that we go beyond that, na kahit di na tayo pareho naglalaro di magbabago ang samahan natin."
Magnolia Hotshot Teammate Marc Barroca posted on Instagram, “Maraming salamat tol sa 10 year na pag sasama natin sa court marami tayong pinag daanan na laban nanalo tayo at natatalo tayo. Pero sobrang bless ko na makasama kita manalo ng mga championship at yung grand slam natin.”
Meanwhile, Barangay Ginebra big man Joe Devance called Marc as a “great leader” and even a “great person”, too.
He said, “You already know how I feel about you, Ping it's all love and we will always remain brothers playing basketball or not! I know the work doesn't stop now but enjoy getting away from the game you put so much heart, blood sweat and tears for. Love you my brother!!!”
Marc also received a ton of support from his family including his brother-in-law Oyo Sotto and Pauleen Luna-Sotto.
Family is the most important thing in Marc Pingris life.
Take a peek into his life off the court and checkout his beautiful home with wife Danica Sotto in this gallery: