Former Gilas stalwart Marc Pingris preaches chemistry to current team as World Cup looms

Former national team bruiser Marc Pingris was among the 19,829 fans who trooped to the Mall of Asia Arena on Monday night as Gilas Pilipinas dismantled Saudi Arabia with a 38-point romp, 84-46.

But aside from enjoying the game and loud cheers from the crowd, the 40-year-old cager also gave out some pointerss on how the current national team can improve with a year to go before they plunge to another World Cup stint.

Pingris, who last played for the country six years ago, said chemistry will be the game-changer as it was their connection on the court that helped the past Gilas team make it to the 2014 World Cup in Spain.

"Sa akin naman, lahat naman ng lineup natin is the best," said Pingris when interviewed by the members of the media.

"Sa tingin ko naman yes, kaya nilang lagpasan 'yun ('yung nagawa namin before) basta sama-sama lang sila, tulong-tulong lang sila, and 'yung chemistry, 'yun 'yung pinaka-importante para mas malayo pa 'yung marating nila."

Gilas had only less than a month of training, convening as a unit only on August 15 with an incomplete pool as Kai Sotto and Jordan Clarkson arrived on a later date. They immediately flew to Beirut to battle a vastly-improved Lebanon before returning to the country.

Despite a limited time to create chemistry and cohesion, the nationals still put up a fight in the loss to the Cedars as well as Saudi Arabia as they wrapped up the fourth window of the World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

Still, Pingris stressed Gilas still needs to create more bond.

"Sasabihin ko na sa inyo, kahit si coach Tab (Baldwin) and ilagay niyo dito and one week practice lang, hindi nila kayang manalo. Kailangan mag-gel talaga sila," Pingris said.

Pingris also called for continuous support from the fans, especially after head coach Chot Reyes got booed several times in the game against the Saudis.

"Para sa akin, sana suportahan na lang natin 'yung Gilas dahil itong mga 'to naman, itong mga players natin at mga bosses natin, binibigay lang din nila 'yung mga best nila para sa bansa natin at hindi para sa sarili nila," the former Magnolia forward said.

"Sana tulungan na lang natin at suportahan pa rin natin sila. Win or lose, kailangan nandyan 'yung puso natin."

—JMB, GMA News