Gilas chemistry getting better says Pingris

MANILA, Philippines -- After pulling off a stunning come-from-behind win over the Wellington Saints on Friday, Gilas Pilipinas forward Marc Pilipinas is convinced that the locals are better, chemistry-wise.

Asi Taulava and Dondon Hontiveros, both veteran international players, have been playing their guts out as they keep up with younger, faster players in the William Jones Cup.

But more importantly, the two many-time national players provided the inspiration that enabled Gilas to pull off a 92-88 overtime win against the Saints.

“Medyo nagagamay na namin ang isa’t isa,” Pingris told Philstar.com on Friday night.

However, the energetic Star forward wished naturalized player Andray Blatche was there during the team’s first six games in the William Jones Cup, citing the former Brooklyn Nets’ huge role.

“Mas maganda sana nandito si Dray para gamay na niya yung sistema pagdating sa Fiba at mapaghandaan namin sila (Asian opponents),” he added.

The 6-foot-11 Blatche left Taiwan hours before Gilas’ first game in the Jones Cup to attend the funeral of his uncle and attend to his ailing mother.

The 29-year-old slotman from Syracuse, New York was supposed to be back in time on Saturday to reinforce Gilas against USA, but the plan was shelved eventually because he had to stay with his mother.

With Blatche set to miss Gilas Pilipinas’ last two games, he will only have three more warm-up matches in the MVP Cup in Manila from September 11-13.

Meantime, Pingris said the Jones Cup has been a good learning experience for Gilas, particularly in adjusting to officiating.

“May mga bagay pa kaming kailangang matutunan gaya nung mga fouls. Nasanay kasi kami sa PBA (rules),” added the 33-year-old Pingris.

Currently carrying a 4-2 record, Gilas faces the US team at 5 p.m. on Saturday, before closing the tournament with Chinese-Taipei B the following day.