Pingris, balik-Gilas Pilipinas
Inanunsiyo kahapon ni Marc Pingris na maglalaro siya para sa Gilas Pilipinas matapos niyang bawiin ang naunang pahayag na hindi siya maglalaro para sa pambansang koponan upang mas pagtuunan ng pansin ang pamilya, kalusugan, at koponan sa PBA.
“Despite my earlier pronouncement not to join and give others a chance to play for the country, Purefoods management has asked me to reconsider my decision. I talked to my wife and we agreed. In the end, it was pride and honor in representing the Philippines that prevailed over me,” pahayag ni Pingris.
Dagdag niya: “I am grateful for management’s support and if the Philippine team still needs me, I promise to go all out for the country in the FibaAsia Championship as it aims to gain a slot in the Rio Olympics next year.”
Kaugnay nito, muling iginiit ng San Miguel Corporation ang pagsuporta nito sa mga layunin upang makapagbigay ng karangalan sa bansa.
“He will represent the country because he wants to. We have no control over our players’ decision when it comes to competing for the national team. We do not deny that we debate on the merits of them joining as a professional player. However, in the end, representing your country is an incomparable honor. You can’t argue with that,” ayon kay Rene Pardo, team governor ng Star Hotshots.
Idinagdag ni Pardo a patuloy na hihimukin ng management ang kanilang mga manlalaro na gawing available ang mga sarili, kung kakayanin, para sa interes ng bansa.