Make it another national team gig for Stanley Pringle.
Two months after representing the Philippines in the FIBA 3X3 World Cup here, the explosive GlobalPort Batang Pier star is at it again, this time in Asia’s own Olympics – the 2018 Asian Games to be held in Indonesia.
The 6-foot-1 combo guard is among the reinforcements chosen by national team head coach Yeng Guiao to backstop Gilas Pilipinas for the quadriennial meet, which will be bannered by the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters’ core.
“I just thank God for his blessings, for a great opportunity to represent the country,” said the 31-year-old Pringle moments after the Asiad-bound Nationals’ first practice session at the Meralco Gym in Pasig City.
“You know, as soon as they called me, it was no question. I told them, yeah, I’m down to play,” he added. “I’m just nursing a little ankle injury right now, but give me two or three more days, it’s a little swollen.
“But I’ll be back and I can play.”
This particular squad is banking on the familiarity from the bond that Guiao has had with Rain or Shine. But there are concerns, especially over Pringle and the others, who will be playing for the first time under the fiery mentor.
Moreover, it will intriguing to see how Pringle and his fellow reinforcements such as Christian Standhardinger, Poy Erram, Asi Taulava, and Gilas Cadets Kobe Paras and Ricci Rivero will mesh together.
But for Pringle, it will not be an issue, even if they only have a week left of preparation before flying to Indonesia on the 14th.
“I’ve been playing against them, and every time I play against these guys in the PBA, it’s always a battle. So I know coming together, we all get along off the court as well, so coming together should be a no-brainer,” said the four-year pro.
“It’s gonna be easy to jell and it’s gonna be easy to play with these guys.”
