Guiao bares reason behind "agonizing decision" to take Pringle over Standhardinger

For Yeng Guiao, Stanley Pringle brings "another dimension" for Gilas. Nina Carezon (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

QUEZON CITY--Chris Standhardinger was the lone bright spot for Gilas Pilipinas in its 73-81 loss at Iran in the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers on Thursday night, dropping 30 points, 12 rebounds, and two steals.

However, Coach Yeng Guiao decided to go for quickness in Gilas' closed-door home game against Qatar on Monday by announcing that Stanley Pringle will be his designated naturalized player.

[Related Story: Wright, Aguilar quickly reinserted to Gilas after ban as Almazan, Maliksi give for lineup vs Qatar]

After the team's practice on Sunday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the site of the said showdown, Guiao admitted that he was still keen on bringing back Standhardinger before finally deciding to give Pringle the green light.

"That was really a very difficult decision. It was an agonizing decision with the way that Christian was playing, not only against Iran but consistently playing for the national team even from the Asian Games," said Guiao.

On why he went for Pringle, Guiao explained, "Stanley also brings a lot to the game. He creates a lot of situations for his teammates. He can score, defend, and press. Stanley can give us another dimension. Whatever we lose with Christian not playing, we'll be able to get some other ways with Stanley Pringle."

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