Even if there is no roster spot available for him, and even if he just came from a long road game just a night before, Stanley Pringle still made sure to help out Gilas Pilipinas in their preparation for the 2019 FIBA World Cup.
Pringle was Gilas’ designated naturalized player during the fourth and fifth windows of the Asian Qualifiers. He was also one of 13 players present during the National Team’s third practice session, Monday evening.
And Gilas head coach Yeng Guiao was immensely grateful to the 6-foot guard for helping the team out.
“Stanley was one of the guys that volunteered himself just in case we needed an extra body,” said Guiao about Pringle, who averaged 21.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in two games played in the Qualifiers.
“Galing yan sa Batangas at nakalaban namin kahapon. He just offered his service just so we have people who can play roles in practice, para mas gumanda yung practice natin.”
It will be difficult to plug in the 32-year-old Pringle to Gilas’ World Cup lineup, since Andray Blatche is a shoo-in for the naturalized player position for the Philippines.
Still, if Ginebra’s schedule permits, Guiao is looking to bring Pringle on board for Gilas’ set of tune-up games in Spain.
“I’m also thinking of bringing Stanley to Spain if Ginebra is not playing in the Finals.
“Kasi yung teams na maglalaro sa [PBA] Finals, siguradong may member ng national team,” bared Guiao as the PBA won’t stop for Gilas’ Spain trip. “So when we go to Spain, we can only bring players from the ten teams that have been eliminated.
“May mawawala talaga, so kailangan pag-isipan kung sino isasama,” he closed.
