Pingris wants to see more hustle from Gilas

Marc Pingris. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

Former Gilas Pilipinas star Marc Pingris said he is satisfied with how the new-look national team is faring in the ongoing 2017 Seaba Championship.

“We’re happy with them giving their best,” Pingris, who was in attendance at Smart Araneta Coliseum together with his wife Danica, said in Filipino as he watched the Philippines’ 113-66 win over Singapore on Saturday.

Giving his two-cents worth, Pingris reminded the team to not take the tournament for granted and use it as a chance for them to learn coach Chot Reyes’ system in preparation for the bigger wars ahead.

“We know that our foes here aren’t that strong, but I advise them to follow coach’s orders because this is where everything will start from. They can’t play around because it’s at those times when injuries are more frequent to occur. I just wish them to quickly jell because when Fiba Asia comes, that’s where the real battles will be fought,” he said.

But if there’s another thing that got Pingris’ attention in Gilas’ win over Singapore, it was the lack of hustle from the players, something which Reyes also pointed out.

“The heart to play is there, but they have to give it their 100 percent. If they really take it seriously, I wouldn’t be surprised if the opponent could only get to 20 points. We have to apply those here. The killer attitude must already be present,” Pingris, who was the embodiment of the team’s battle cry during his time, said.

“In their next games, they have to give it their 100 percent. It’s like in practice, if you don’t give it your 100 percent, you can’t give your 100 percent in the games. I don’t know if they’re playing it safe or maybe coach told them to ease up a little. But I know coach Chot and even though the lead is already big, we have to give respect to our opponents by playing the right way and not allow them cheap baskets. We’ll see tomorrow.”

Gilas plays Malaysia on Sunday before taking a break on Monday.