Marc Pingris retires from pro basketball
Marc Pingris is stepping away from basketball.
The 6-foot-4 power forward, who made a name for his intensity on the court, announced his retirement from the sport with a thank you letter posted on Instagram.
“I remember my name being called during the 2004 PBA Draft. Doon nagsimulang matupad ang pangarap ng isang batang palengke,” Marc, nicknamed by fans as “Pinoy Sakuragi” inspired by a character from the anime series Slamdunk, wrote.
“[Sixteen] years na [rin] ako sa PBA [Philippine Basketball Association] pero alam ko na ngayon na [rin] ang tamamg panahon para umpisahan ang bagong chapter ng buhay ko.”
Marc then went on to thank all the people who played a big part in his storied career including his family, former teammates, team executives and personnel, long-time manager Ed Ponceja, and coaches.
He especially expressed his gratitude to multi-titled coach Tim Cone, who led Marc and the rest of the B-Meg and San Mig Coffee teams to multiple championships including a rare grand slam.
“It's because of you that I grew to understand the sport as more than a game. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to become part of history with our 2014 grand slam. I am proud to have played the game we both love with you,” Marc told the American mentor.
Marc leaves behind an impressive professional career highlighted by nine championships, two Finals MVP, three Defensive Player of the Year honors, 15 All-Star appearances, and a spot on the PBA's 40 Greatest Players of all time.
The 39-year-old Pozorrubio, Pangasinan native was also part of the national teams that represented the country in international competitions.
Marc was a vital piece of the Gilas Pilipinas team that broke the so-called “Korean curse” in the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship staged in Manila.
One of the highlights from that emotional win was Marc scoring on a putback off a Jason Castro missed layup to further Gilas's lead to seven to seal the win.
Marc, of course, thanked his wife Danica Sotto for being at his side and pushing him to work harder.
“To my wife, Danica, thank you for your love. Thank you for all the sacrifices you made for me and our family. I love you!”
Outside basketball, Marc dabbles into his other hobbies including playing video games, biking, motorcycles, and painting, a habit he developed during the quarantine brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking of which, take a look at Marc and Danica's life under home quarantine: