Marc Pingris has set the bar high for future players.

Barangay Ginebra head coach Tim Cone only had praises for Pingris as his former prized forward retired from the PBA following a 16-year career highlighted by a Grand Slam they won together.

“End of an era. Certainly one of a kind. I loved, in every way, coaching Ping,” Cone wrote on Twitter.

“Tough as nails on the court, gentle in spirit off it.”

Pingris played under Cone from 2011 to 2015 and they captured five PBA championships, including four straight from 2013 to 2014 highlighted by a rare Grand Slam.

The 39-year-old forward even won Finals MVP honors in the first of those consecutive titles in the 2013 Governors’ Cup.

Pingris made special mention of Cone in his retirement post, saying the winningest coach in PBA history helped him “understand the sport as more than a game.”

“I am proud to have played the game we both love with you,” Pingris said.

While Cone called the shots for several legendary PBA players, Pingris holds a special place in his heart.

“[Marc] will be the standard from which I coach future players. My fav,” Cone said. – Rappler.com