A PBA comeback for ‘Pinoy Sakuragi’ in the works

RETIRED Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) superstar Marc Pingris could be making a comeback in the pro league. 

Blackwater team owner Dioceldo Sy said he, along with new Bossing head coach Jeff Cariaso, met with Pingris to explore the possibility of enlisting the many-time PBA All-Defensive First Team member a roster spot and a position for a big man’s coach.

From left are coach Jeffrey Cariaso, former PBA star Marc Pingris and Blackwater team owner Dioceldo Sy. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

“I will give him an offer next week, as playing assistant coach,” Sy told The Manila Times on Thursday.

Originally, the team owner said the intention for their meet up at the Grand Hyatt Hotel at the Bonifacio Global City was to see if the 6-foot-5 Pingris is open to be the Bossing’s big man’s coäch, considering the team’s young front court includes recent rookie draftees Christian David and Clifford Jopia.

“I’m planning to get him as a big man’s coach but he said, ‘boss kundisyon pa ako, I like to play pa’,” Sy said, quoting the 41-year-old Pingris, known for his moniker “Pinoy Sakuragi.”

Sy said that he will wait for his younger brother and Blackwater team governor Silliman Sy’s arrival from Hangzhou, China to discuss the latest development, and then prepare the offer to Pingris.

The Bossing team owner said the initial offer to Pingris as Blackwater’s playing assistant coach could be for “one conference” only.

“Maybe one conference like James Yap (of Rain or Shine) from November to February (2024),” he added.

Sy said Pingris, given some time, could still play 10 to 15 minutes per game and contribute to Blackwater’s bid to finally end a string of non-playoff appearances in the PBA.