It seems that Chris Ross has let go of his past run-ins with Gilas Pilipinas head coach Yeng Guiao.
One of the spats the two had was the verbal altercation that took place during the San Miguel Beermen’s match versus the NLEX Road Warriors in the 2018 PBA Philippine Cup, where they were both penalized by the league for a total of PHP 13,600.
In that incident, Guiao was accused of saying racial slurs against Ross. But the fiery bench strategist denied the allegations, though he admitted that he threw profanities, such as flipping the bird towards 10-year league veteran.
But time heals all wounds, as the old saying goes. And it looks like Ross has put those things behind.
And proof it is the do-it-all guard’s willingness to help Gilas Pilipinas –– in which the fiery Guiao is the head coach — in its preparations for the upcoming 2019 FIBA World Cup in China set to run from August 31 to September 15.
“Just to lend a helping hand.
“Because I know that they need as much practice time and enough… they need some different looks,” said Ross, who has been vocal of his dreams of being able to represent the Philippines one day.
Ross’s name was actually mentioned by none other than Guiao after the national team’s practice last Thursday as one of those players — the other one being Asi Taulava — who have sent out feelers of helping out in Gilas practices.
Guiao and Gilas will be exploring the idea of opening their practices to volunteers yet again, as the majority of the players in the 19-man pool are also gearing up for the ongoing quarterfinals of the 2019 Commissioner’s Cup.
“Yeah, I mean, because sometimes they have eight or nine players or even twelve or thirteen if they want to play with a complete five,” the Fil-American guard said, explaining what made him decide to provide some help to Gilas.
And going to the Meralco Gym where Gilas holds their practices will not be an issue for Ross — ever.
“I live literally right next door. I could just walk,” he said with a chuckle. “It wouldn’t be a problem for me to go over there.
“That’s why I offered my services ‘cause I literally live–I can throw a rock and hit Meralco Gym,” he added.
“I can just walk over if they call me ten minutes before practice. I could just go if they didn’t have enough bodies.”