Purefoods franchise retires jersey numbers of Marc Pingris and PJ Simon

The Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok gave Marc Pingris and PJ Simon probably the most memorable gifts in their Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) careers as the team retired their jersey numbers on Christmas Day.

During the halftime break of Magnolia's game against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, the Purefoods franchise officially retired Pingris' No. 15 and Simon's No. 8, making those numbers ineligible for use for current and future players of the franchise.

#8 and #15 with the @M_Hotshots & @barangayginebra! #PBAiTuloyAngLaban pic.twitter.com/xtHPGGvmLk

— PBA (@pbaconnect) December 25, 2021

Simon announced the end of his PBA journey back in September 2020. He won eight championships in his 17-year career, and along with Pingris, was part of the Purefoods franchise's grand slam in 2014.

In his short speech, Simon thanked those who supported him in his career, and hoped that many from his hometown of Makilala, Cotabato will also be able to play in the league.

Meanwhile, Pingris announced his retirement from the league after 16 years back in May. He was drafted third overall back in 2004 by FedEx Express. In his PBA career, Pingris had nine titles, including a grand slam in 2014. Pingris is also a member of the league's 40 Greatest Players.

Turning emotional in his speech, Pingris honored his mother during the retirement ceremony.

"Gusto ko i-honor ang mother ko sa pagpapalaki sa'min. Di ko akalain na ang isang batang palengke pala ay makakalaro sa PBA. Sa lahat ng nanonood na bata, hard work lang. Kulang ang talento kung walang puso."

(I want to honor my mother who took care of us. I never thought that a kid from the market would be able to play in the PBA. To the young ones, just work hard. Talent is not enough if you don't have the heart.)

Pingris and Simon were supposed to reunite in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League as players of the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards, but reports said the two decided not to push through.

Pingris and Simon's numbers join Purefoods' other retired numbers: Alvin Patrimonio (16), Jerry Codiñera (44), and Rey Evangelista (7).

—JMB, GMA News