If he had his way, Marc Pingris would love to see action in the battle between the North All-Stars and the South All-Stars that serves as the main event of the 2019 PBA All-Star Weekend in Calasiao, Pangasinan.
The Magnolia Hotshots forward said that it would be the best way for him to repay the trust given to him to be part of the festivities. Pingris was named as a reserve for the North All-Stars even if he’s still recovering from an ACL injury.
The 37-year-old hasn’t seen action since March 2018, or since that year’s Philippine Cup semifinals.
“Pag-uusapan muna namin ni doc kung pwede. Pero kung sa’kin lang talaga, gusto ko maglaro kahit ‘di one hundred percent. Gusto ko kasing suklian yung ginawa nila sa’kin kung bakit andito ako ngayon,” expressed the 15-time All-Star.
“Pero kung ‘di man, mamimigay na lang ako ng sando.”
Pingris admitted he hadn’t expected to take part in this year’s spectacle since fans haven’t seen him on the court for over a year now. Then a letter arrived, saying he had been included as a reserve.
“Nung sinabihan ako na kasama ako sa All-Star akala ko nagjo-joke lang sila. Sabi ko bakit naman kasi, eh hindi naman ako naglalaro, tsaka baka ‘di ako makapag-laro,” said Pingris.
“Pero nung sumulat si Commissioner na kasama at part ako ng All-Star, sobrang saya.”
But aside from giving back to those who made his selection possible, Pingris would also want to play in front of his fellow Pangasinenses. After all, Pingris is one of the most known cagers to come out of this province up North.
“Sa Pangasinan pa, hometown,” said the nine-time PBA champion, who’s a proud son of Pozzorubio. “Sobrang blessed lang talaga. Siguro galing na kay Lord yun.
“Yung pagmamahal ng mga fans, talagang naalala nila ako.”
