THE GILAS Pilipinas will welcome back forward Marc Pingris with open arms upon their return from their Estonia trip for a series of tune-up games.
According to a report posted on Sports5.ph, Gilas Pilipinas team manager Butch Antonio said that Pingris’ willingness put it all on the line for flag and country will be very much appreciated on the team.
“The team sees Ping as their brother and he is always welcome to join Gilas. We know just how much Pingris wants to be a part of this. It has been in his heart na pagdating sa bayan, he is always ready,” Antonio was quoted as saying before the team was set to play against the Netherlands in Tallinn.
After initially deciding to sit out from national team duties last weekend, the energetic forward of the Purefoods Star Hotshots flipped-flopped on Wednesday and said that he will once again don the national colors and join the squad in their bid to make it to the Rio Olympics.
Antonio added that Pingris’ late addition will not be a problem as they will take the same approach with him as they did with incoming rookie, Moalaa Tautaa.
“Like what happened to Moala Tautaa who joined us last week, the coaches will put Pingris up to speed as far as team system and philosophy are involved. We’re looking forward to him joining Gilas in the next possible practice.”