After Gilas drama, Pingris eyes redemption season for Hotshots

MANILA, Philippines -- With the drama behind his withdrawal from Gilas Pilipinas now behind him, Star forward Marc Pingris considers the preseason as a chance to regroup and launch the Hotshots’ championship redemption for next season under new coach Jason Webb.

Pingris said the Hotshots actually can’t help but reminisce the team’s successful championship ride just two seasons ago when the Hotshots, then known as San Mig Coffee Mixers, won the franchise’s first-ever PBA grand slam.

“Hindi naman nawawala yun eh (talking about the team’s past championships), kasi gusto naming maibalik yung championship feeling na yun,” Pingris confided to Philstar.com, shortly after Star’s light workout at Ronac gym in San Juan.

The 6-foot-5 Pingris admitted missing former coach Tim Cone, architect of the team’s grand slam and five championships during his four seasons with the franchise.

The American coach recently moved over to Star’s sister team Barangay Ginebra in a move that stunned the Hotshots fans.

The pride of Pozzorubio, Pangasinan said Star’s success in recent years wouldn’t have been possible if not for the strong foundation Cone laid on the team.

“Malaking bagay talaga si coach Tim sa foundation na binuo niya sa team,” said the 33-year-old energetic forward.

But Pingris was also quick to note that losing Cone to Barangay Ginebra, doesn’t mean the end of Star’s championship aspirations.

In fact, the Star power forward claimed that last season’s title-less run has brought back the hunger within the team.

“Ngayon mas gutom na kami, malaki na kasi gastos,” he said in jest, referring to the won-game bonuses they lost in all of last season.

And with Webb set to get rid of the triangle offense, Pingris hopes to see star forward James Yap become more aggressive on offense, the way he used to during his first seven seasons in the PBA.

“Ipu-push ko siya (Yap) na kapag libre, itira niya, tapos ako, gagawin ko yung role ko na makuha yung rebound, kasi as part ng core, ganun naman talaga, siya yung umiiskor sa amin so kailangan maging aggressive siya kasama sila PJ (Simon),” noted the former PSBA Blue Jaguar big man.