Magnolia Hotshots’ Marc Pingris expressed his willingness to return to practice, although he admitted that the fear brought by the rapid rise of coronavirus cases in the country lingers.

“I miss the game. We miss the game,” the 16-year PBA veteran told One Sports show Sports Page in Filipino. “Since we were young, we have been accustomed to always playing basketball.”

“But we also worry because the number of COVID cases here in the country is increasing. We need to follow certain precautions to be safe.”

The PBA will implement a closed circuit bubble concept for the practice restart once all players undergo swab testing for the virus.

Players are required to follow a home-gym-home routine and to report their activities outside the bubble.

Despite these strict protocols, Pingris said that his wife Danica Sotto, with whom he has two children, still reminds him to be cautious.

“Danica always tells me to take care. But when we are called, it is our job to show up,” Pingris said. “I really miss playing basketball.”

“I know commissioner [Willie Marcial] is doing everything to ensure the safety of the players.”

Aside from basketball, Pingris said he misses interacting with basketball fans, especially with Tropang Pingris.

To reach out to his supporters, Pingris arranges a video conference on Zoom with them twice or thrice a month.

“I ask about their lives, their livelihood, their families.” – Rappler.com