Chris Ross. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—The moment Chris Ross had been waiting for finally came on Friday night.
After 10 years in the PBA, Ross will finally get to fulfill his dream of representing the Philippines after being included in Gilas Pilipinas’ final 12-man lineup for the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
“What a blessing! Been waiting for this opportunity my whole career. 10 years in the making!” the San Miguel Beer guard, told INQUIRER.net in a text message Saturday night.
The 34-year-old Ross and Alaska forward Vic Manuel are the only first-timers on the squad, which will be spearheaded by his teammate and reigning five-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo.
Also part of the team are Christian Standhardinger, Stanley Pringle, Troy Rosario, Roger Pogoy, LA Tenorio, Japeth Aguilar, sharpshooters Matthew Wright and Marcio Lassiter and current assist leader in the Governors’ Cup Kiefer Ravena, who was a late addition to the team.
Ross, a two-time PBA defensive player of the year and four-time member of the All-Defensive Team, is expected to play a key role with national team coach Tim Cone putting premium on defense.
Gilas Pilipinas opens its gold medal bid against Singapore on Dec. 4 at Mall of Asia Arena.