Webb denies Pingris on trading block

MANILA, Philippines – Star rookie coach Jason Webb categorically denied that veteran forward Marc Pingris is on the trading block, stressing that the hardworking Gilas Pilipinas big man "is staying" amid rumors circulating on social media.

“Ping’s definitely staying (with Star). I really don’t know where those rumors come from. He’ll be part of what we will achieve and do,” Webb told Philstar.com on Monday.

The 42-year-old coach said he actually talked to the 6-foot-5 Pingris shortly after the entire Gilas team arrived Monday after lunch, following its silver-medal finish in the just-concluded FIBA  Asia men’s championships in Changsa, China.

The incoming freshman PBA coach said he simply assured the many-time PBA all-defensive team member that he is staying with the team.

“Marc and I have talked about the rumors and sabi ko naman sa kanya, no one knows where it’s coming from,” said Webb, who is filling in the big coaching shoes vacated by Tim Cone after moving on to coach Barangay Ginebra.

“We’ve been in touch habang nandun siya (Pingris) sa China and we spoke twice through Viber messaging, so I told him, nothing to worry.”

Since last week, Pingris has been rumored to be part of a trade that will eventually see him land at Alaska, which left Star Hotshots fans angry.

For one, the Hotshots already lost all-time winning coach Tim Cone to Ginebra, with Fil-Am Joe Devance, later on following suit in a four-team, six player trade.

In the meantime, the former TV broadcast analyst-turned-coach said they are giving Pingris at least a week off after spending the last month training and playing for Gilas.

The Star coach explained that with the team seeing action in the lone season-opening match on October 18, they will need the services of Pingris as he helps man the paint.

“We’re giving Ping till Monday next week to get some rest dahil mahirap kasi, opening game kami kaagad so we’re gonna need him,” said Webb, whose team faces Rain or Shine in the kick-off match of the PBA’s 41st season at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“I told him to really clear his mind and body sa basketball.”

But Webb maintained they Pingris will simply be part of the puzzle for a Star squad that is looking to bounce back after a title-less campaign last season.

“We’re gonna rely on everyone. And that’s the nice thing about this team. There’s some depth in each position,” he said.

“It’s just a matter of who’s hot for that day kasi di naman lahat ng player mainit that day."