Soon-to-be top pick Pringle has ‘potential’ to be GlobalPort leader

STANLEY Pringle. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/AUGUST DELA CRUZ

MANILA, Philippines — More than being a highly-skilled basketball player, GlobalPort team manager BJ Manalo sees a leader in Fil-American Stanley Pringle.

As early as last month the Batang Pier have already expressed their intentions to draft the 6-foot-1 guard Pringle as the first overall pick in the coming 2014 PBA Draft.

And even if this year’s draft class is filled with talent and potential, Manalo said, choosing Pringle didn’t take a lot of thinking.

“Yes, no question about it,” Manalo assured reporters on whether the Batang Pier will officially make Pringle the top pick this Sunday on Draft day at the Midtown Atrium in Robinson’s Place Manila. “We’re already decided and excited at the same time for Stanley Pringle.”

“We’re looking at a potential leader of our team,” Manalo said.

Pringle’s former head coach Todd Purves, who is currently a consultant for the San Miguel Beermen, also had nothing but good things to say for the former Penn State slotman.

“I know Stan well and he’s a wonderful guy. He’s a great player and he’s got a wonderful career ahead of him, no doubt,” said Purves, who steered the Indonesia Warriors, led by Pringle himself, to the 2012 Asean Basketball League championship, during the 2014 Gatorade PBA Draft Combine on Tuesday at the Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong.

“Wherever Stan goes, wherever he ends up in his career, I know he’s a leader and he’s got a wonderful work ethic. And so regardless of where he ends up ultimately, I just think of a number of positive things whatever team gets him, gets a player that is really committed and I wish him well,” Purves added.

The 27-year-old Pringle headlined the last batch of PBA aspirants in the combine along with other rookie hopefuls like top prospects Matt Ganuelas Rosser, Jake Pascual and Ronald Pascual to name a few where they underwent drills and participated in 30-minute scrimmages.

“It’s a blessing just to be considered the top pick. So I’m just going to be grateful. If I’m the top pick then I’ll be real thankful,” said Pringle, who topped the 3/4 Court Sprint and came in second to the lanky 6-foot-5 Rosser in the Maximum Vertical Leap (65.2 inches). “It’s a great organization (GlobalPort). Any team in the PBA is a great organization.”

“[I’m] a player that’s just going to play hard each and every day. Practice hard, be a leader and be a team player.”

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