Mark Pingris was in his usual jolly self Mondy night, and he has many reasons to act that way as Gilas Pilipinas 4.0 began training in high spirits.
A perennial member of the national squad, Pingris said he sees an even stronger Gilas lineup which can compete against the rest of the world.
“Mas lumakas ang lineup natin ngayon. Mas alam kong gaganda ang lineup natin ngayon dahil maraming malaki and mas maraming shooters ngayon,” Pingris shared.
Pingris admitted the nationals had a difficult time fighting off China in the finals of the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship, as Gilas 3.0 was not able match the taller Chinese when it comes to size.
But with the additions of shooters like Marcio Lassiter and Jeff Chan, and towers Japeth Aguilar, Greg Slaughter, and June Mar Fajardo, the current Gilas roster is more competitive.
“Nahirapan kami dahil sobrang liliit namin. Lumaban kami at ginawa namin ang trabaho namin. Talagang short lang,” he said.
“Pero sabi nga ni Bong T kanina, itong lineup na ito, pwede na nating imbitahan yung China dito. Lalaban ito,” Pingris quipped of their physical therapist.
“May mga bata rin tayo ngayon like sina Terrence. Nag-combine na lahat eh. Alam kong gagaan ang trabaho ni coach Tab pero nasa aming mga player pa rin yun kung paano namin pagpupursigehan sa practice, kung paano namin ibibigay ang 100 percent namin sa practice.”
Experiencing the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship at home, Pingris says it would be a big advantage if ever the Philippines gets to host one of the three FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments.
“Malaking bagay yun. Ang Pilipino, mahal na mahal ang basketball. Kitang kita natin nung FIBA Asia dito kahit umuulan, nakapila pa rin sila para manood lang. Kapag nananalo tayo umiiyak sila. Kaya kahit hindi kami nagchampion noon nakikita natin yung support at prayers nila,” he shared.
“Kapag pagod kami pero sumisigaw sila, nakakalakas.”
