PBA: Marc Pingris inspired by visit of dad from France

With Purefoods on a three-game losing streak, Marc Pingris was determined to bring out his A-game to help the team get back to their winning ways. But he had another motivation to play his best on Sunday against San Miguel Beer: the presence of his father.

 

Under the watch of Jean Marc Sr., the Hotshots big man came out with a stellar performance as he finished with 15 points, nine rebounds, and four assists to contribute to Purefoods' 113-105 overtime victory against the Beermen.

 

"Natutuwa ako na nakarating sila dito sa atin," Pingris told reporters after the game. "Sobrang happy talaga ako na nakita ko ulit siya, namimiss ko rin talaga sila."

 

The elder Pingris is in town for a two-week vacation, which gives the father and son the opportunity to make up for lost time they spent separated until they were reunited in 2007.

 

"I'm very excited to see Marc playing," he said. "He plays very fast and he's good."

 

Pingris Sr. came at a good time for his son, as he will get the chance to see the "Pinoy Sakuragi" suit up for the North team in the All-Star game in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

 

The Purefoods forward said he has prepared a surprise for the mid-season festivities, which he will dedicate not only for the fans but also for his father.

 

"Abangan nila 'yan, may ibibigay ako para sa mga fans," Pingris said. "Ayaw ko lang sabihin para mag-antay sila."

 

The two had also met in France and Spain during Gilas Pilipinas' FIBA World Cup campaign last September, where the Frenchman witnessed his son play in the highest stage of international basketball.

 

The father and son spent the most part of 25 years without a clue about each other's existence, but finally met through the efforts of Pingris' wife Danica Sotto. —JST, GMA News