MANILA, Philippines - Gilas Pilipinas team manager Butch Antonio said Marc Pingris is very much welcome to join the team when the squad returns to Manila from its stint in a three-day, four-nation meet in Tallinn, Estonia.
“The team sees Ping (Pingris) as their brother and he is always welcome to join Gilas,” said Antonio.
“We know just how much Pingris wants to be a part of this. It has been in his heart na pagdating sa bayan (when it comes to flag and country), he is always ready,” added Antonio, who apparently had talked to Pingris already.
Gilas Pilipinas learned of Pingris’ change of heart just before playing its first match in the Estonian pocket tourney against the Netherlands.
Pingris, earlier, personally informed the team of his non-availability for another tour of duty with Gilas shortly before the group left for Estonia.
“We’re looking forward to him joining Gilas in the next possible practice. If things go on as planned, Gilas will resume practice in Manila next week,” said Antonio as quoted by Carlo Pamintuan of sports5.ph.
“Like what happened to Moala Tautuaa who joined us last week, the coaches will put Pingris up to speed as far as team system and philosophy are involved,” Antonio also said.
Gilas Pilipinas departs Estonia Sunday afternoon and is expected to be in Manila Monday evening.
Coach Tab Baldwin is likely to hold at least two practice sessions at home before the team leaves for Taipei for the Jones Cup set Aug. 29-Sept 6.
Pingris will be eyeing a return stint with Gilas after rendering service in the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship, the 2014 FIBA World Cup and the 2014 Asian Games. He had a previous stint as a national player in the Vietnam SEA Games in 2015.
Meanwhile, Gilas was still bothered by injuries heading to their game against the Dutch team last night.
Out for Gilas-Netherlands match were Ranidel de Ocampo (due to a hamstring injury), JC Intal (back spasms) and Dondon Hontiveros (calf).