While defense has been his main calling card, Marc Pingris still managed to achieve a scoring milestone in his decorated career.
On Friday night, the “Pinoy Sakuragi” became the 86th player to reach the 5,000 points club after finishing with 12 points in the Star Hotshots’ 128-81 demolition of the Kia Picanto.
“Masaya ako kasi kahit pala isang role player lang kayang mag-5,000 points,” Pingris told InterAksyon.
He breached the mark with a one-handed slam with just seconds left in the game.
“Gusto ko sana i-dunk nang dalawang kamay. Kaso sinigurado ko na lang,” he added.
Pingris made the feat just a few weeks after his return from a hip injury that sidelined him for six months. He thanked the people behind his successful recovery.
“Madami akong gustong pasalamatan sa pagbalik ko. Nagpapasalamat ako kay Nick Ocampo, yung physical therapist namin kasi kasama ko siya hanggang pagdating ko sa Amerika. Tinutukan niya talaga ako. Nagpapasalamat rin ako kay Coach Johnny (Abbarientos) kasi siya yung madalas nagpapaalala sa akin na huwag madaliin yung pagbalik ko sa kundisyon and timing. Sinasabihan niya ako na huwag madaliin yung pagbalik ko dahil hindi makukuha agad-agad yan. Kailangan dahan-dahan lang,” he said.