Stanley Pringle has always been a sought-after prospect for the national team ever since he joined the PBA in 2014 as the top overall pick of Globalport.
After four years plying his trade in the pro league, Pringle final gets his shot to represent the Philippines in a 5-on-5 basketball game.
Pringle is part of Yeng Guiao’s 12-man team that will play in the Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia starting next week.
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“I’m feeling great and like I said to a lot of people who have always asked me that it was always an honor when they [the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas] gave me that call and play for the team,” said Pringle Friday at Meralco Gym.
Pringle, a Filipino-American, isn’t eligible to play in Fiba tournaments for 5-on-5 basketball as the sport’s governing body requires all players to have a Philippine passport obtained before the age of 16.
The Asian Games, however, does not have that same ruling and that paved way for Pringle to suit up for the national team in the continental multisport competition.
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“I’ve learned at an early age that you can control what you can control so it’s [playing in Fiba 5-on-5 tournaments] out of my hands like a lot of things in life,” said Pringle, who once played for Gilas in the 3×3 World Cup.
Pringle, who played for Indonesia Warriors in the ASEAN Basketball League, said he’s eager to play in Jakarta and help the Philippines get its best finish in the Games.
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“I’ve played in Indonesia for two-and-a-half years so I’m definitely looking forward to connecting with old friends and teammates, I’m definitely looking forward to the competition and playing with my teammates,” said Pringle.
“When the call of duty comes, you know you have to give it your hundred percent and put the team in a position to win.”