Star Hotshots forward Marc Pingris is set to join the Gilas Pilipinas 3.0 training pool after the San Miguel Corp. management asked him to reconsider his decision Wednesday.
Pingris formally begged off from the Gilas pool last week according to multiple reports, stating he has the desire to join the team but there are things out of his control.
But in the latest development, Pingris says he has changed his mind and will be joining the national team.
Below is Pingris’ statement as released to the press Wednesday.
“Despite my earlier pronouncement not to join and give others a chance to play for the country, Purefoods management has asked me to reconsider my decision. I talked to my wife and we agreed. In the end, it was pride and honor in representing the Philippines that prevailed over me. I am grateful for management’s support and if the Philippine team still needs me, I promise to go all out for the country in the Fiba-Asia Championship as it aims to gain a slot in the Rio Olympics next year.”
The current training pool preparing for the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship is in Estonia, preparing for a pocket tournament against European squads.
Pingris was part of the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship roster and is best remembered for his 16-point, 10-rebound performance against Korea in the semi-finals to help the Philippines clinch a berth in the 2014 FIBA World Cup.
