Prior to the fourth window of the 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, Gilas Pilipinas head coach Yeng Guiao had a good problem in front of him: who will be plugged into the naturalized position – Christian Standhardinger or Stanley Pringle?
So just like any good mentor, he made sure both players got their share of the limelight.
“Stanley Pringle is taking over the naturalized position, over Christian Standhardinger, and that was really a very difficult decision, it was an agonizing decision with the way that Christian was playing, not only against Iran, but consistently playing for the national team, even from the Asian Games,” shared Guiao, Sunday evening.
“But Stanley also brings a lot to the game.”
With that pressure, the 6-foot-1 guard – whom former Gilas head coach Tab Baldwin called the best point guard in Asia – started the game like he had a chip on his shoulder. In the first 10 minutes of the game, Pringle coughed up five attempts only making one.
But it was not just Pringle, as Gilas shot just 39 percent from the field in the first half, falling behind by as much as 17 points.
“They beat our trap off the ball screen, they beat it a little too easily and we didn’t really rotate too well off the trap,” rued Pringle. “So I think that’s what gave them an early lead.
“But coach adjusted to it quick and we picked up the pressure. And they couldn’t sustain it.”
The second half was a whole other story for the Nationals.
Gilas came out with guns ablazing in the third frame. Moreover, Pringle settled down, eventually finishing the game with 13 points, six rebounds, and three assists. More importantly, Gilas came out on top, 92-81.
With this game under his belt, the nine-year pro can’t wait to get back. And he doesn’t mind whether he’s in the lineup or not for the next window.
“It was a great experience and most importantly, it’s a great group of guys I’m playing with – my teammates, the coach, that’s what makes it a better experience for me. Great group of guys,” expressed Pringle, who has been with the core of this team since the Asian Games in Jakarta.
“As long as they got a team out there for the Philippines, everybody’s gonna be in full support. That’s all that matters.”
