Pingris set to recapture defensive form this season

MANILA, Philippines – Even with a new system and a new coach, veteran forward Marc Pingris intends to recapture his old, defensive form that made him a regular fixture in the All-Defensive team as the Star Hotshots kick off the PBA’s 41st season on Wednesday against Rain or Shine.

Pingris, who turned 34 last week, said the weeklong respite given to him since playing for Gilas Pilipinas in the recent Fiba-Asia men’s championship, was enough to refresh his battered body.

“Sana makatulong ako uli. Mas fresh ako ngayon, hindi katulad nung last year na parang na-burned out ako sa pagod,” Pingris told Philstar.com, shortly after the Hotshots’ Tuesday afternoon practice at the Ronac gym.

“Ganun pa rin naman ako dahil kapag may pagkakataong umiskor, iiskor ako. Pero gusto ko kumuha uli ng award sa depensa,” stressed the former PSBA Blue Jaguar big man.

A seven-time All-Defensive member in his distinguished 11-year professional career, Pingris failed to be part of the elite defensive group last season.

“Napagod din kasi ako last year, yun nga, parang na-burn out, pero ngayon, parang okay yung katawan ko kasi nakapagpahinga ako ngayon and nagagawa ko ngayon yung di ko nagagawa before,” he said. 

Although the team has veered away from the triangle offense of former coach Tim Cone, Pingris welcomes the change anyway, having played in a Gilas system that thrives on a quick offensive attack.

“Walang problema sa akin sa takbuhan,” he said.

“Wala na sa amin yung triangle.  Talagang nagbago na lahat kasi sobrang basic lang si coach Jason dahil ang gusto niya, running game, which is, sa akin pabor yun dahil sa Gilas ganun din naman kami,” added the “Pinoy Sakuragi”, who averaged 7.9 points and 7.2 rebounds in 31.1 minutes of action last season.

The Hotshots will be up against the Elasto Painters in opening day, before facing Cone and the Barangay Ginebra Kings on Sunday.

But even with two tough opponents to start the season, Pingris is confident that Star is ready to compete at a high level.

“Alam ko mag-a-adjust din naman sila (Elasto Painters) dahil may ilan din silang mga bagong players, pero alam ko na ang sistema ni coach Yeng,” he said.

“Eh kami, more on defense lang talaga against Rain or Shine dahil kilala namin sila kung paano umatake,” he added.