Pingris downplays Iran star’s vow to win gold

INCHEON, South Korea – Gilas forward Marc Pingris is known for his victory guarantees back in the PBA.

In all of San Mig Super Coffee Mixers' four titles in the last four conferences, Pingris made guarantees that fueled the team to success.

In this 17th Asian Games, Iran's superstar Nikah Bahrami beat him to the draw by boldly declaring that they will go all the way.

“We are going to win the Asian Games for the first time. Without a doubt, the Iranian basketball team will participate in the Asian Games to win the gold medal,” Bahrami told the Tehran Times before the tournament started.

Pingris gamely played with Bahrami's promise.

"Ah may pagkasinungaling si Bahrami. Makikita natin yan bukas. May Hadadi lang sila eh," Pingris said in jest.

Turning seriously, the undersized power forward paid respect to their Asian rivals.

"Alam kong magaling sila na player. Ilang taon na tayong hindi nananalo sa kanila so gagawin namin ang best namin," Pingris said.

Pingris refused to make guarantees this time for Gilas Pilipinas in their quest to end Iran's mastery and a long gold medal drought that spanned way back in 1962.

"Gagawin namin makakaya namin. Alam mo naman tayo eh, kahit sino ang kalaban namin eh kailangang ibigay mo ang puso mo, ang 100 percent mo. We have to work hard," Pingris said.

"Alam naman natin ang Iran matatangkad sila so focus lang kami sa depensa," he added.

Both teams opened the tournament with wins over groupmate India. Iran hammered out a 76-41 on Wednesday while Gilas squeezed an 85-76 win on Tuesday.

Gilas vs Iran is scheduled at 2 p.m. here (1 p.m. Manila time) and will be aired live on TV5.