Laban Pilipinas! Puso!
For four years, Marc Pingris was the voice that sparked the battle cry of Gilas Pilipinas. The FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament held in Manila last July, however, was the last time the 35-year-old would don the colors of the country, as head coach Chot Reyes has decided to build a team that has youth and is composed of 18 new faces.
Through joys and tears, Pingris was a huge part of the program, not allowing club loyalty get in the way of national duties. And he has come to accept that it’s time for a new breed of Filipino cagers to represent the country.
“I’m happy naman. It’s time naman para bigyan natin ng opportunity ‘yung mga bata para makapaglaro rin at suportahan. I’m happy rin na makakasama ko rin ng matagal ‘yung family ngayon kasi na-miss ko rin sila kasi umaalis kami before,” shared Pingris, who is a father of two.
“Maganda rin ‘yung tine-train na nila ‘yung mga bata ngayon kasi ganoon ‘yung ginagawa ng ibang bansa. ‘Di ba ‘yung mga nakakalaban natin 16 or 17 years old tine-train na nila? So, I’m happy naman na ganoon ‘yung ginawa ni coach na bata kinuha niya.”
With Jayson Castro and Japeth Aguilar serving as the team’s eldest statesmen, the son of Pozzorubio, Pangasinan believes that he, Gabe Norwood, and Ranidel de Ocampo are leaving the team in good hands.
“Alam ko ready na rin si Jayson, Paul [Lee], June Mar [Fajardo], Japeth. Marami na rin sila pinagdaanan e. I hope madadala nila ‘yung team ngayon,” the eight-time PBA champion shared.
Pingris has pegged Calvin Abueva to replace him as the team’s heart, the one who can provide instant energy that can fire up the team.
“Sana mas more [involved] si Calvin. Siya ‘yung gusto kong maging vocal sa kanila dahil siya ‘yung magbibigay ng energy sa team ngayon.
“Ang [sinasabi] ko lang [ay] huwag siyang mahiyang kausapin ‘yung mga beterano, mga rookie dahil alam ko siya talaga ang magdadala,” Pingris remarked about the 28-year-old Pampagueno.
“Siya ‘yung puso ng Gilas ngayon, Calvin.”
But Abueva is taking it lightly, focusing on the current task he has with Alaska.
“Actually hindi ko muna naiisip yan. Nababasa ko lang pero wala muna yan sa isip ko dito muna sa league na ‘to. Bawat game crucial kaya kailangan muna mag-focus,” said Abueva, who has only won one PBA championship in his six-year career.
But everyone knows that “The Beast” is keeping Pingris’ words to his heart.
