Pingris embraces role in Gilas

MANILA, Philippines – Marc Pingris has embraced his role as the national team's defensive ace.

The San Mig Coffee star earned an invitation to join the Gilas Pilipinas players’ pool primarily because of his defense. And Pingris is making sure he won’t let the Filipinos down by letting his guard down.

His assignment is to stop the opposing team’s best offensive player on the floor.   He is taking his assignment seriously by doing his homework diligently.

“Binigyan ako ng coaching staff ng mga tapes ng mga best players ng mga kalaban namin [sa FIBA Asia]. Pinag-aaralan ko ang mga galaw nila,” Pingris said.

Aside from studying tapes, Pingris is preparing himself for the special task by shadowing GlobalPort hotshot Gary David during their scrimmages.  

Pingris may not own a killer jumper like what his sparring partner David has but he kills you with his no nonsense defense.   It’s a role that has earned him a career in the PBA.  It’s a skill that he wants to polish more and bring it to the next level.

“Nung nasa Lithuania kami, natutunan kong i-adjust ang game ko. Na-realize ko na kailangang mas bilisan ko pa,” Pingris said. “Kaya nag-e-extra plyo (plyometrics) ako at nagpapakundisyon nang husto.”

At 6-foot-5, he is a big man by Filipino standard but in the international play, his size is only as big as the average wing players.  But with the combination of his athleticism, boundless energy and his big fighting heart, Pingris can guard practically anyone – from point guard to big man.

“Madalas yung mga guards at wings binabantayan ko pero minsan tumutulong din ako kina Marcus (Douthit) sa pagbantay sa malalaki kung kinakailangan,” Pingris added.

The half French, half Filipino doesn’t mind doing the dirty job the way he didn’t mind cancelling his family trip to France to be with his French father, whom he found through the help of his wife Danica Sotto in 2007.  

“Dapat pupunta kami ng family ko to visit my father pero kinansel ko dahil minsan lang ‘tong opportunity na makapaglaro for the national team,” said Pingris, who hails from Pozorrubio, Pangasinan. 

It is a big sacrifice that Pingris hopes to be worthwhile come August.