By Adrian Stewart Co

Two years since he last played in the league, Magnolia Hotshots forward Jean Marc Pingris has formalized his retirement from the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) on Tuesday night.

The 6-foot-4 Pingris made his announcement through his Instagram account as he capped off his 16-year career, which was marked with nine championships, including a Grandslam.

“Sixteen years na din ako sa PBA pero alam ko na ngayon na din ang tamang panahon para umpisahan ang bagong chapter ng buhay ko,” said the Pozorrubio, Pangasinan-native Pingris.

Pingris first played in Manila with the Philippine School and Business Administration before moving to Far Eastern University Tamaraws in UAAP. He later went on to play with Cebu Gems in MBA and Welcoat Paint Masters in the PBL.

Pingris started his PBA career in 2004 when he was selected third overall by the FedEx Express. He then went on to have his stops with Purefoods and San Miguel Beermen before returning to the Hotshots.

Pingris had his success in his second stint with the Hotshots franchise under its then head coach Earl Timothy Cone, where he became part of Grandslam team in the 2013-2014 PBA Season.

“COACH TIM, it’s because of you that I grew to understand the sport as more than a game. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to become part of history with our 2014 grandslam. I am proud to have played the game we both love with you,” Pingris said.

Coinciding with his PBA career, the 39-year-old Pingris also had a memorable stint with the Gilas Pilipinas and became part of the national team that played in the 2012 FIBA World Cup in Spain.

“I am proud to have played the game I love. It has been a glorious 16 years, #pinoysakuragi15signingoff,” Pingris concluded his post./ASC, WDJ