Among the points of interest in yet another chapter of the Meralco-Ginebra rivalry, set in the 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup Finals, is the presence of Stanley Pringle for the Barangay.
The league’s reigning scoring champion has been a solid cog for the crowd darlings since he became a Gin King last May following a 3-for-1 trade with the NorthPort Batang Pier.
Many even see Pringle as an X-factor for his squad in the title series, especially after a good showing in the semis versus his former team with norms of 19.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.0 assists.
Bolts’ lead point guard Baser Amer is very much aware Pringle’s impact on the Barangay.
“Kapag napapanood namin ‘yung game nila, more of sets sila eh, six to seven passes. So nandyan si Stanley, may mga one, two passes talagang tumitira na,” the 26-year-old shared.
With that, Amer said that he and the Orangemen have to put a premium on making things hard for Pringle.
“Dun kami magiging aware, ‘yung mga early shots ni Stanley, lalo sa three points. Taas ng average niya. Kailangan ready,” said Amer, since Pringle is shooting 42 percent from deep this conference.
“Of course Stanley, sobrang galing, makaka-score at makaka-score. Pero gusto rin namin pahirapan at ma-limit.”
But it isn’t just Pringle with whom Meralco has to be concerned. Ginebra also has some of the finest guards in tow, such as veteran floor general LA Tenorio and the do-it-all Scottie Thompson.
Amer expressed that he’s looking forward to facing the Barangay’s guards anew in the series that starts Tuesday.
“Sobrang excited ako na makalaro ulit ‘yung mga guards nila, lalo na kay LA. Kilala naman natin siya. He’s one of the best point guards dito sa bansa,” said the four-year pro out of San Beda.
“Sobrang excited ako, I’m ready to compete. Talagang nagpa-kundisyon ako para rito sa Finals.”
