IF it is Marc Pingris’ way of declaring ‘war’ against former coach Tim Cone, so be it.
The veteran Star forward admitted resisting greeting or giving Cone a warm hug in the two games Star and Barangay Ginebra had played so far in the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals.
Not once did he approach or say anything to the coach with whom he became very close with during their stint together with the Hotshots, according to Pingris.
“Hindi,” was Ping’s curt reply when asked if he already talked to Cone during the best-of-seven semis.
“Hindi rin,” he repeated when SPIN.ph probed deeper and asked if he had given the American mentor even just a slight tap on the shoulder.
“Break muna kami.”
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The 35-year-old native of Pozzorubio, Pangasinan has been all focus in the series against the Kings, which the Hotshots lead, 2-0.
He’s been playing well on both ends of the court, averaging 9.5 points, 10.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.5 steals in 36 minutes of play per game. In all, he’s been shooting 9 of 17 from the field.
Pingris said he hopes to remain the same for the rest of the conference in a bid to lead the Hotshots to the finals, and eventually, a first championship since Cone steered the team to a grand slam in 2014.
Will it be the same way with Cone?
“Siyempre after ng series (wala na),” he said. “Alam na ni coach yun. Matagal na siya sa PBA.”
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