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| FIBA (file photo) |
By Ivan Saldajeno
MANILA--In a surprise turn of events, Marc Pingris is set for a Gilas return.
The Star forward announced his decision to rejoin the national team on Wednesday, four days after he formally begged off to Coach Tab Baldwin.
In the official announcement, Pingris said, "Despite my earlier pronouncement not to join and give others a chance to play for the country, [the] Purefoods management has asked me to reconsider my decision. I talked to my wife and we agreed. In the end, it was pride and honor in representing the Philippines that prevailed over me."
The Hotshots' manager, Alvin Patrimonio, told Dugout Philippines on Saturday that he and the management were to meet Pingris earlier in the week regarding his earlier decision to skip the national team.
[Related Story: Patrimonio to talk to Pingris regarding Gilas deference]
Pingris, on the other hand, thanked Patrimonio, Coach Jason Webb, and the rest of the Star management for their support.
He also promised to give his 100 percent in this year's FIBA Asia Championship in Wuhan, China next month.
"...if the Philippine team still needs me, I promise to go all-out for the country in the FIBA Asia Championship as it aims to gain a slot in the Rio Olympics next year," Pingris vowed.
Meanwhile, Purefoods governor Rene Pardo said that Pingris got the clearance to play because of his desire.
"He will represent the country because he wants to. We have no control over our players' decision when it comes to competing for the national team," he stated.
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