Pringle surfaces with Globalport execs

Prospective top PBA Draft pick Stanley Pringle entered the arena unnoticed, the cap on his head making him almost unrecognizable.

He was at Filoil Flying V Arena to watch the NCAA All-Star Game yesterday and only a few fans knew that the man tipped to be the next big thing in the country’s pro league was in the building.

But Pringle exuded an air of confidence as soon as he talked, making known his desire to be an impact player.

Globalport is expected to tab the 6-foot-1 guard out of Penn State as the top selection in the rookie draft rites on Aug. 24.

In the clearest indication yet of Globalport’s desire to pick him, Pringle sat in the same row with Globalport owner Mikee Romero, team alternate governor Erick Arejola and coach Pido Jarencio.

“They’ve (Globalport) been watching me play for awhile so they know me since the ABL (Asean Basketball League),” said Pringle, who arrived from the United States on Friday night.

Pringle made his presence felt in the ABL, leading the Indonesia Warriors to the title in the 2012-2013 season with averages of 18.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 6.2 assists. The fleet-footed playmaker also had stints in Poland, Belgium and Ukraine.

“Speed, a defensive mindset and being a leader,” Pringle said when asked what he can bring to the team that picks him.

He declined to dwell on reports that he had asked for a salary beyond the rookie maximum.

“I focus on basketball at this point,” said Pringle. “You have somebody you trust like your agent (for salary issues).”