By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
We will no longer see Pinoy Sakuragi dive for loose balls and save 50-50 possessions in the upcoming PBA season.
Magnolia Hotshots forward and Gilas Pilipinas legend Marc Pingris, popularly known as the Pinoy Sakuragi, is finally retiring after an illustrious 16-year career in the PBA.
Pingris was the third overall pick during the 2004 PBA Rookie draft by FedEx and later on enjoyed success with the Purefoods franchise after being traded.
The 39-year-old forward had himself a great career in the league after winning seven championships with the Purefoods franchise.
Together with former PBA MVP James Yap, scoring machine Peter June Simon, and versatile forward Joe Devance, Pingris managed to score a Grand Slam championship in 2014 under head coach Tim Cone scored.
“Coach Tim, it is 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,” the crowd-favorite forward posted on his Instagram account.
Pingris also nabbed several personal plums under his belt including the Finals MVP, a Most Improved Player award, 15 All-Star selections, three Defensive Player of the Year honors, and three Mythical Second Team selections.
The PBA veteran also exited the PH national team with flying colors after serving as an integral piece during the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship where Gilas would end up winning the silver medal while punching a ticket to the FIBA World Cup after 36 years.
“I’ve been in the PBA for 16 years but I know this is the right time to start a new chapter in my life,” Pingris continued on his IG post.
