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July 2022
29/03/2022
News
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Pingris to Gilas youngsters: ''Never forget to play with passion and heart''

MANILA (Philippines) - Who knows what was exactly going through the mind of Marc Pingris as he was wandering the sidelines at the Smart Araneta Coliseum during Window 2 of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Asian Qualifiers?

"There have been many talented players and many athletically gifted players but when you play for you country, you need to play with heart."

 

The Philippines basketball legend has many memories of being a part of Gilas, even if not always at this exact same venue. After this Window 2, Pingris can now add to the list, being an assistant coach for the national team.

Fans might still be used to seeing Pingris crash the boards and set solid screens for his teammates. Now, he’ll be guiding the current squad to be able to do what he did best.

"From the start, I've always said that if Gilas needs anything from me, I’ll be there. They took a chance on a role player in me back in 2013 when they could have selected other superstars from the PBA. They gave me a chance and I’m going to help them as much as I can, however I can."

There is no doubt that Gilas will always have Pingris on their minds whenever it comes to national team duties, in whatever role is available. Not only was he a part of the team that made it to the Asia Cup 2013 Final and qualified for the World Cup for the first time in nearly 40 years, he was the one who set the screen for Jimmy Alapag to make "The Shot".

Even without pouring in points in each and every game for the Philippines, Pingris has been an icon representing "puso" for his hustle on every possession. That’s why it was not a surprise when his name was added to the coaching staff for the Asian Qualifiers and moving forward.

"If they need a big man coach, I’ll do it. If they need a practice player, I’ll do it. If they need me to cheer from the stands, I’ll do that as well. I’m just happy to be given the chance with the next generation of Gilas players."

What he listed is just among some of the things that Gilas will need from him for upcoming competitions, especially at Asia Cup 2022 where they are placed in Group D with India, Lebanon, and New Zealand. One of the most important roles for Pingris - and most likely one that he had already been assuming even before taking up the assistant coach position - is being a big brother to the promising youngsters on the team.

From Thirdy Ravena, Dwight Ramos, and Juan Gomez De Liano, the Philippines are loaded with youngsters that are primed to become stars. Even though they play different positions that Pingris, the veteran knows what he will be able to pass on to these young guns.

"They’re all talented and they all work hard. Even though they are young, they’re getting experience playing international basketball so that also helps their growth. I just hope they never forget to play with passion and heart. There have been many talented players and many athletically gifted players but when you play for you country, you need to play with heart."

We can never be sure what Pingris had on his mind during Window 2 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum as he assumed the role of assistant coach for the first time.

Maybe he was thinking back to that game against Korea in Asia Cup 2013 when they made history. Maybe he was thinking about 2016 when Gilas battled for a spot in the Olympics at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

One thing that will certainly have on his mind is how he can push the upcoming generation of Gilas stars to be able to play with as much passion - and as much "puso" - as he did.

 

FIBA