Pingris agent says ward to skip Gilas for now

MANILA, Philippines -- After a ‘no-show’ in Gilas Pilipinas’ practice on Thursday, Star forward Marc Pingris is expected to attend the national squad’s training on Friday at the Meralco gym.

Player agent Ed Ponceja, who also serves as Pingris’ confidant, said he will be accompanying his ward at the gym, not to join Gilas in practice, but to formally excuse himself from the national pool.

“Kagabi naman kasi dapat, magpupunta siya, pero malakas lang talaga yung ulan, Saka alam mo naman si Ping, kung may importanteng sasabihin iyan, ayaw niyang magpunta lang ng mag-isa,” Ponceja told Philstar.com on Friday.

Ponceja said he had a long conversation with the 6-foot-5 Star forward since he arrived late Wednesday night from a tour in France.

And part of that conversation is for Pingris to concentrate on helping the Hotshots’ preseason buildup, considering the title-less campaign the team had last season.

“Alam ko naman na gustong gusto ni Ping magsilbi sa national team,” said Ponceja.

"Pero ito lang yung personal na sinabi ko sa kanya. Unang una, bago ang coach nila sa Purefoods, si coach Jason (Webb), tapos yung last three conferences nila, di rin naman maganda ang naipakita nila, so siguro, mas magandang mag-concentrate na lang muna siya sa team dahil bago ang sistema,” he added.

Ponceja also reminded basketball fans that Pingris has served his time with the national team, having been part of the Gilas squad that placed second in the 2013 Fiba-Asia men’s championships as well as the Fiba World Cup last year.

“Nakapagsilbi naman si Ping sa national team. And given a chance in the future, maglalaro pa rin naman siya if ever,” he added.

Ponceja said Pingris has had his share of aches and bruises over the last three years. Since he's not getting any younger, it would be best for the 33-year-old Pingris to give the other younger players in the national pool a chance to represent the country instead.

Players of Star met with Webb individually on Friday morning as the Hotshots talk about their plan and how they intend to prepare for the 41st season.

The Hotshots begin their official practice next Monday at the Ronac gym.