Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Marc Pingris of the Star Hotshots may once again suit up for Gilas Pilipinas.
The Star Hotshots forward had earlier said that he will pass up on the chance to play for the national team due to family, health, and professional reasons, but announced Wednesday (August 19) that he is rejoining the Gilas pool.
“Despite my earlier pronouncement not to join and give others a chance to play for the country, 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,” Pingris said.
“I am grateful for management’s support and 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.”
Related: Gilas to hold short training session, join pocket tourney in Estonia
The national pool, which is eyeing a gold medal in the upcoming FIBA Asia competition for an automatic ticket to the 2016 Olympics in Brazil, is currently in Estonia for a short training camp.
They are also set to play in a pocket tournament there against Estonia, Iceland, and the Netherlands.
Support from SMC
With Pingris’ reconsideration to join the Gilas pool, Star Hotshots team governor Rene Pardo said in a statement that the franchise has always been supportive of its players’ national team duties.
“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,” Pardo said.
“We do not deny that we debate on the merits of them joining as a professional player. However, in the end representing your country is an incomparable honor. You can’t argue with that,” Pardo said.
