Pringle can co-exist with Romeo, Cabagnot says Pido

MANILA, Philippines – It’s no longer a secret that GlobalPort will make Fil-Am standout Stanley Pringle as the top overall pick in Sunday’s PBA Rookie Draft.

The question that is begging for an answer, however, is can Pringle co-exist with the other Batang Pier premier guards Alex Cabagnot and Terrence Romeo?

GlobalPort coach Pido Jarencio has a ready answer after seeing Pringle up close. 

“Wala ng issue dun, laro na lang. Mas gusto ko yung may talent kaysa wala kaming talent kahit mag-agawan na dun, walang problem dun,” Jarencio told Philstar.com in his trademark funny retort.

Even Pringle himself sees no problem playing alongside Romeo and Cabagnot at GlobalPort backcourt.

“I’ve watched them play a couple of games and [you know] they’re really tough. Terrence is really good. Alex is really good bringing up the ball. They are basketball players. They know how to play. It’s just a matter of jelling,” the 27-year old Penn State alum said.  “I’m pretty confident that we’re going to play as a team.”

Pringle is considered to be a veteran rookie having played college ball in the US and professionally in Belgium, Poland, Ukraine and recently in the Asean Basketball League where he powered Indonesia Warriors to the title in 2012 averaging 18.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 6.2 assists.

Jarencio met Pringle before the the 6-1 combo guard attended the PBA Draft Combine and liked what he saw.

“Bagay siya sa team namin, magco-complement siya kay Terrence at kay Alex. Proven player na siya eh.  Kaya for us, siya ang pinaka-qualified na player para sa no. 1 pick,” Jarencio said.

He also cleared Pringle of the earlier negative reports which came out in the other news outlets that the Fil-Am prospect is asking for the moon, which reportedly did not sit well with GlobalPort management including team owner Mikee Romero that almost made them turn their back on Pringle.

“Hindi, wala ng problema dun,” Jarencio clarified.

With all kinks already ironed out, Pringle is looking forward to take on the challenge of proving himself worthy as this year’s top overall pick more than the other marquee names in the draft like Fil-Italian guard Chris Banchero and Gilas cadet player Kevin Alas.

“I’m just blessed and grateful that they are considering me as the top pick. I think I can fit in with any system. It’s just a matter of jelling with the players and adjusting, telling me what I should do more and what I can do good and what I can bring to the team,” Pringle said.

With Pringle already locked as the top overall pick, he hardly showcased his talents during the scrimmage in an effort to avoid injuries. He was still able to put up four points, six rebounds and one assist in 11 minutes of play during the final day of the PBA Draft Combine at the Gatorade Hoops Gym last Tuesday.