After being sidelined with a hip injury for almost six months, Marc Pingris finally returned to action for the Star Hotshots in their 100-81 win over the Phoenix Fuel Masters in the Oppo PBA Governors’ Cup on Wednesday night.
Pingris only played for more than two minutes during garbage time of the lopsided game. Despite the short playing time, he’s happy that he was finally able to hit the court.
“Natutuwa ako sa mga fans na kahit two minutes lang nilaro ko pinapalakpakan ako. Sobrang miss na miss nila ako. Miss na miss ko rin yung liga natin. I’m happy kahit pakonti-konti lang. Nakakabalik naman kahit paano,” Pingris said.
The many-time all-defensive team member who won seven championships with the franchise said he doesn’t want to fast-track his comeback as he tries to regain his peak form.
“Nangangapa. Kanina sobrang excited ako. I think magsi-six months na yata or five months. I’m very excited. Sobrang na-appreciate ko yung ginawa ni (physical therapist) Nic Ocampo sa akin,” said Pingris who last played in February during Game Seven of their Philippine Cup semifinals series against Barangay Ginebra.
“Wala akong ginagawa. Tapos nung nawala yung maga parang lumiit yung muscle niya. Ngayon talagang workout.”
Another reason for Pingris not to rush things is that the Hotshots are doing well even without him. Star remains as the the only unbeaten team in the current tournament after winning its first four games.
“Konti-konti lang. Sinabi ko rin kay Coach (Chito Victolero) yan. Alam ni Coach yun. Dating player yun eh. Alam niya pakiramdam kapag na-injure ka. Talagang pagpasok mo kailangan dahan-dahan lang,” added Pingris.
“Maganda rin itinatakbo ng team ngayon. Maganda chemistry ng team. Sa practice talagang inuunti-unti ako ni Coach. Sa depensa iniintindi ko pa rin kahit alam ko na.”
Pingris, who went to the United States for treatment, said his rehab is still ongoing.
“Mayroon pang konting sakit na nararamdaman. Kasi kailangan ko pa siyang i-rehab. Everyday katulad kanina nagwo-workout ako. Talagang tuluy-tuloy na yun,” he said.
“Hinahabol ko kasi yung isang leg ko. Medyo pumayat siya talaga eh. Nagpahinga ako ng two months nung andito ako.