Why PBA cager Marc Pingris went back to school

Despite his successful career as one of the most popular professional basketball players of the present generation, Marc Pingris has decided to go back to school and finish his studies.

The 33-year-old PBA cager is currently enrolled in the Philippine School of Business Administration (PSBA), where he previously played for the varsity team. He goes to classes four days a week to pursue a degree in financial management.

"Gusto ko lang talagang makatapos," Pingris told GMA News Online after Purefoods lost to Rain or Shine on Sunday. "Baka kasi tanungin din ako ng anak ko balang araw na hindi ako nagtapos ng pag-aaral. Baka gayahin niya ako."

Pingris is married to actress Danica Sotto, with two kids Jean Michael and Anielle Micaela. In addition to his duties as a father and the PBA, he now has to juggle seven hours of classes a day.

"Pagkatapos ng practice, diretso na ng school. Alam kong nakakapagod, pero kailangan kong tapusin din 'yung pag-aaral ko e," he said. "Hindi pa naman huli ang lahat e at alam kong makakaya ko 'to."

He also attended Far Eastern University previously for his collegiate education, but stopped his schooling when he joined the rookie draft in 2004 where he was picked third overall.

Pingris said his wife Danica was shocked when he bared his plans to go back to school, but he already made up his mind in his determination to get a degree.

"Nabigla ko din [siya] nung una. Sabi niya baka hindi ko makaya. Sabi ko tingnan natin. Kung hindi makaya e di home school 'di ba, puwede naman 'yun," he shared.

He eventually gained her support, and even his Purefoods coach Tim Cone had been accommodating with the schedule of practices.

"Talagang in-adjust niya 'yung practice namin," said Pingris, who explained that he sometimes arrives one hour late for class. "Dati kasi 12:30 kami nag-e-ensayo, then ginawa niyang 11:00 para makahabol ako sa 2:00 [na klase]."

Pingris said he also talked to his teacher, who assured him that it was fine as long as he would be able to catch up. He also said that he is enjoying the experience so far despite his packed schedule.

"Masaya naman sila na desidido talaga akong pumasok," Pingris said of his professors and classmates. "Nakakatawa lang dahil ang liliit ng mga classmate ko tapos ang liit ng upuan para sa akin." - RAF, GMA News