Star's Pingris marks entry into 5k-point club in emphatic fashion

MANILA, Philippines — He may not the brightest star in Star's 128-81 decimation of Kia on Friday night, but Marc Pingris was definitely a force.

Especially after notching his 5,001st career point in a statement fashion: a dunk on the break.

“Pinaupo na ‘ko eh, tapos nung nalaman nila na five points na lang, ‘Gusto mo pa ba maglaro?’” he shared. “'It’s up to you coach,’ kako. Alam mo ‘yung tiwala na binigay niya rin sa’kin? Sobrang blessed lang … dahil sa tiwala at sa opportunity.”

Pingris is one of the seven Hotshots who tallied double-digit productions. Kirstofer Acox had 19, Jio Jalalon canned 15, PJ Simon posted 13, Ian Sangalang chimed in 12, while Marc Barroca and Justin Melton contributed 10 each.

And as if his 12-point showing that night and the rout weren’t compelling enough, Pingris was actually still on the process of regaining his old self back.

Coming from a hip injury that got him sidelined for almost half a year, Pingris even flirted with a double-double. He hauled down nine boards to go with his double-digit scoring and added four assists.

But he insists he is not yet in tip-top shape.

"Konting takbo pa. Pagkatapos ng practice tumatakbo ako sa gabi, kinukuha ko 'yung hangin ko. Walang-wala pa talaga 'yung legs ko eh,” he said. “Six months (injured) tapos parang one month pa lang akong tumatakbo. So mahirap talaga.”

“Heto' yung sinasabi nila — 'yung mahirap, 'yung bumabalik ka. Magta-tight[en] mga muscles mo, magta-tight[en] katawan mo. Kailangan ma-overcome ko raw ‘yun,” he continued.

The Hotshots will have the luxury to see if Pingris gets back to 100 percent as they are going to move into the quarterfinal phase, which begins next week.