Bossing eye Pingris as big man coach

Two years after retiring, Marc Pingris appears to be headed back to the Philippine Basketball Association.

Blackwater team owner Dioceldo Sy disclosed to DAILY TRIBUNE that they are eyeing the nine-time PBA champion to serve as their big man coach in the upcoming Commissioner's Cup.

"We're looking to bring him in as a big men's coach," Sy said via Messenger.

Working with Jeffrey Cariaso — the new head coach of Blackwater — isn't new for Pingris as they were together when San Mig Coffee won a PBA title in 2013.

Cariaso, however, moved to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel while Pingris and the Coffee Mixers went on to complete a rare grand slam under head coach Tim Cone.

Pingris, however, officially retired in 2021 with the Purefoods franchise giving him a fitting tribune together with former star PJ Simon.

The eight-time PBA All-Defensive Team member, however, came out of retirement early this year as he joined the Imus SV Squad in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.

Prior to that, he served as commissioner of the Pilipinas Super League while playing for the touring team PBA Moto Club.

Should he formally join Blackwater, he will oversee the development of big men Troy Rosario, Richard Escoto, James Sena and Yousef Taha.

Hiring former PBA stars isn't new to the Bossing as they also brought in Vince Hizon to serve as consultant and Rommel Adducul as big man coach in the past.

Even former Ginebra stalwart Leo Isaac also served as Blackwater head coach for four years.