Pingris’ withdrawal from Gilas ‘a tragedy,’ says Baldwin

For Gilas Pilipinas coach Tab Baldwin, it’s a pity that Marc Pingris had to beg off from the national team a little over a month before the tournament where the country won a silver medal in the home turf two years prior.

“It’s a tragedy,” Baldwin said. “He’s so passionate for the sport and the country and he loves Gilas, that’s clear to me, but he won’t be in the team.”

Marc Pingris officially begs off from Gilas

It was an emotional Saturday afternoon during Gilas’ final practice day before leaving for Estonia on Monday as Pingris bid the team goodbye.

Finding himself in a familiar place, Pingris was supposed to stay for an hour, but stuck until the end of the practice session to be with the national team despite him not suiting up for the squad.

After a hard day’s work, Gary David’s post-game jokes, and the prayer, the team went to a huddle for one final battlecry.

Estonia-bound Gilas pulls through despite injuries

The Meralco gym suddenly went silent.

“Laban Pilipinas!” a teary eyed Pingris screamed with pride, as the rest of the Gilas Pilipinas squad answered, “Puso!” RC