PBA legend Marc Pingris points to lack of team bonding as key issue for Gilas Pilipinas

Philippine basketball icon Marc Pingris is keeping a close eye on Gilas Pilipinas and recently shared his thoughts on the direction of the men’s national basketball team. While the squad is brimming with talent, Pingris believes that a lack of team chemistry—not skill—is the main reason for recent underwhelming performances.

Pingris, a nine-time PBA champion and one of the most decorated players in league history, emphasized the importance of “bonding,” something he feels was a major strength during his time with the national team.

“Their lineup now is really different from ours before,” Pingris said during a recent media interaction. “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.”

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

Pingris’ comments come in the wake of Gilas’ eighth-place finish at the recent FIBA Asia Cup, where head coach Tim Cone struggled to bring the full squad together due to scheduling conflicts. Several key players, including June Mar Fajardo and CJ Perez, were tied up with the PBA Finals, while others like Dwight Ramos, AJ Edu, and Kevin Quiambao play in overseas leagues, making it difficult to build cohesion in limited time.

Cone had less than a week with a complete roster to prepare for the tournament—far from ideal for international competition.

“For me, the lineup is okay. They are really strong,” Pingris added. “But they lack the time to really get to know each other. That’s always been our weapon. It’s not all about talent. It’s all about our big hearts.”

Thank you Marc Pingris!

Just announced his retirement from the PBA after 16 years and many championships for the Purefoods/Star/SanMigCoffee/B-Meg/Magnolia Franchise and also many playing years with Gilas Pilipinas! pic.twitter.com/ap6FhLlT6e

— Gilas Pilipinas (@smartgilasph) May 25, 2021

Despite the challenges, Pingris voiced his full support for Cone, who coached him during their 2014 Grand Slam run with the San Mig Super Coffee Mixers.

“Let’s just give him more time. It’s better for us to see Coach Tim run his plays. He won a Grand Slam because of the triangle. He can teach that to the team. It’s up to them to apply it,” he said.

Cone will resume his duties with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the upcoming 50th PBA season, while the Gilas program returns in two months to begin preparations for the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

As a former Gilas stalwart, Pingris played a crucial role in the Philippines’ silver-medal finish at the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship, helping the nation earn a spot in the 2014 FIBA World Cup—its first in 36 years at the time.

In the PBA, Pingris remains a legendary figure, with a career that includes:

• 9 PBA titles 
• 2× PBA Finals MVP 
• 2011 PBA All-Star Game MVP 
• 2006 PBA Most Improved Player 
• 3× PBA Defensive Player of the Year 
• Named to the PBA’s 50 Greatest Players 
• No. 15 jersey retired by Magnolia Hotshots 

Pingris’ insight offers a veteran’s perspective on what it takes to succeed on the international stage—underscoring the message that while talent is critical, team unity and heart remain the foundation of winning basketball.

👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and join the community of passionate basketball fans.