James Yap, Tim Cone post tributes for retiring Marc Pingris

James Yap posted a tribute message to former teammate Marc Pingris, who announced his retirement from professional basketball on Tuesday.

On Instagram, Wednesday, Yap shared a photo of them when they were both still playing for San Mig Coffee, now named Magnolia.

The pair won a rare grand slam along with PJ Simon and head coach Tim Cone back in 2014.

"We've been through many battles inside the court, we were together in times of difficulty and times of joy. We started together in 2004 so I was surprised that you are retiring," Yap wrote in Filipino.

READ: Praises, tributes pour in for Marc Pingris after announcing retirement

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by James Carlos Yap (@jamesyap18)

The PBA superstar, who was traded to Rain or Shine in 2016, thanked Pingris for everything he did for him.

"You were one of the best teammates I've ever had. Our brotherhood and friendship started with basketball [but I know] that we go beyond that, [even though we are both no longer playing, our bond won't change]," he said.

READ: Marc Pingris a soldier on and off the court, says Ryan Gregorio

Cone, who now coaches Barangay Ginebra, also tweeted a brief message for his former ward.

"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," he said.

"[Ping] will be the standard from which I coach future players. My fav," he added.

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

Simon's wife, beauty queen Jehza Huelar, also left a message for Pingris in his announcement post.

"We will still see you and your Fam around, Ping! Congratulations [on your] memorable and meaningful career!" she said.

—MGP, GMA News