At around a quarter past eight on Monday evening, a familiar face made his way to the busy court of the Meralco Gym — multi-time National Team campaigner Marc Pingris.
Pingris was not clad in the country’s colors, though, but was instead wearing a Scottie Pippen shirt and a snap back cap. Moreover, the 35-year-old was a mere spectator, sitting in the stands together with sidelined Gilas stalwarts Calvin Abueva, Arnold Van Opstal, and Mac Belo.
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For those who have followed the journey of Gilas Pilipinas, the proud son of Pozzorubio, Pangasinan is the heart and soul of Gilas Pilipinas. From his humorous quotes to his unrivaled passion, Pingris was the role model of every aspiring cager that had dreams of making it to the National Team.
But with age catching up to him and with the team’s goal of keeping a young team intact until 2019, Pingris had to give way to a new batch of Gilas Pilipinas players; the next generation, as they say. Nonetheless, as coach Chot Reyes once said, “Once you’re part of Gilas, you’ll forever be part of the Gilas family.”
“Actually, na-miss ko rin yung pangalan ng Pilipinas kaya pumunta ako rito,” Pingris shared. “Matagal ko ng gusto pumunta dito. Sabi ko kay coach, gusto ko pumunta dito para makita sila at magbigay ng kaunting message.
“Nakaka-miss, nakaka-miss talaga sobra.”
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Gilas has been a huge part of Pingris’ life. For four years, he spent his off-seasons — a time usually spent for family and recovery — away from home, campaigning for Gilas. His former on-court rivals became his life-long brothers, while coach Chot Reyes became the father that he never had.
“Ako nga kanina, nung nasa gilid ako, gusto ko na nga mag-practice e. Kumbaga, naging part ng buhay ko itong Gilas,” the 6-foot-4 forward admitted as he tried to fight off tears.
“Nakakaiyak… Hindi lang kasi basketball ang pinag-uusapan dito, yung bonding namin as a team, yung sacrifice na ginawa namin na lumayo kami sa aming mga pamilya para paglaban ang Pilipinas, nakaka-miss talaga.
“Hahanap-hanapin mo talaga. Akala ko nga kanina nandito rin sila Ranidel [De Ocampo], sila Gary [David], nami-miss ko sila,” he added.
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It actually took Pingris, who is known to be both nostalgic and sentimental, a long time before he accepted that the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament last July was his final tour of duty. But the sacrifices made by his batch are starting to bear fruit, as Pingris saw first hand the attendance of the practices.
“Ngayon, ang daming player. Kumbaga diyan mo makikita na ang daming gustong maglaro para sa Gilas. Ang dami talaga.
“Dito kasi hindi mo dinadala yung apelyido mo, dala mo yung bansa natin. Ngayon nga, kung kakausapin ako ni coach na maglaro ako — kung kakayanin ng katawan ko — maglalaro pa rin ako,” he said, marveling at the collection of talent inside the gym.
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As the third Monday session came to a close at around nine in the evening, the players, in what has become a tradition, huddled at center court. Pingris joined the team, giving a speech to inspire this batch.
“Sabi ko, congrats sa kanila kasi minsan lang kasi dumating yung opportunity na ganito. Sinabi ko rin sa kanila na lahat yan, puso lang.
“Magiging proud yung mga batang tumitingala sa kanila na gusto ring maglaro sa Gilas. So, puso lang,” Pingris reflected.
This time, though, it was no longer Pingris who shouted the team’s battle cry, “Laban Pilipinas! Puso!” Now, it is Calvin Abueva who is tasked with this responsibility.
