Pingris hopes Gilas will have more time to bond, learn cone system
Marc Pingris has kept tabs on Gilas Pilipinas.
“They’re probably still waiting for me,” he quipped in jest during the launch of Titan’s adidas Gilas Pilipinas jersey customization at Bonifacio Global City. The joke landed, but the admiration behind it was genuine.
Now retired from the court, Pingris is best remembered as a cornerstone of the Gilas Pilipinas team that ended the “Korean curse” in 2013. And the former national team enforcer knows exactly what wearing the flag means—and what it takes to win with it.
“Their lineup now is really different from ours before,” Pingris said. “I think [the current team has] a stronger lineup now. We just looked more solid [before] because of our bond. That’s something this team should have.”
It’s not a criticism, just perspective. The current Gilas squad, coached by Tim Cone, is brimming with talent. But with key players like Dwight Ramos, AJ Edu, and Kevin Quiambao scattered across overseas and domestic leagues, forging chemistry has become a race against time.
Cone barely had a full roster during preparations for the FIBA Asia Cup, where the team placed eighth. Stars like June Mar Fajardo and CJ Perez were tied up with the PBA Finals. Training was limited to a single complete week.
‘Not about talent’
“For me, the lineup is okay. They’re really strong,” Pingris said. “But they lack the time to really get to know each other.”
Still, what he sees in the fight the current crop of Gilas players displays regularly on the floor gives him hope.
“That’s always been our weapon,” he said. “It’s not about talent. It’s all about our big hearts.”
Pingris knows what kind of leadership that heart needs, and he’s convinced Cone is the right man to provide it. He should know. He captained Cone’s San Mig Super Coffee squad to a rare Grand Slam in 2014.
“Let’s just give him more time,” Pingris said. “It’s better for us to see coach Tim run his plays.”
The triangle offense that Cone perfected in the PBA isn’t a quick fix. It demands trust, discipline, and—yes—time.
“He won the Grand Slam because of the triangle,” Pingris added. “He can teach that to the team. It’s up to them to apply it.”
Cone is currently back with Barangay Ginebra duties as the PBA’s 50th season kicks off, but the Gilas program resumes in two months for the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
Until then, Pingris remains hopeful.
“They may be smaller, but they fight,” he said. “Their games are improving. The Gilas program is doing well.”
And if they ever do call on him again?
“Maybe I’ll start stretching,” he laughed.
