French dad to watch Pingris play in World Cup

MANILA, Philippines -- Marc Pingris' French father will be watching him play in the FIBA World Cup in Spain.

Jean Marc Pingris, Sr. is already excited to cheer for his son that he already arranged his travel details for the August-September tournament. He told the Gilas forward that he has already rented a house in Seville, Spain for their family for the duration of the elimination round.

"Nakapagpa-book na si Dad papuntang Seville. Ang plano nga niya from Spain, tutuloy kami ng France para magbakasyon," Pingris said.

But that will all depend on their schedule since Gilas coach Chot Reyes is planning to set a mini-camp near Korea for the Asian Games right after the World Cup.

Gilas is bracketed with powerhouse teams Argentina, Greece, Croatia, Puerto Rico, Senegal.

Pingris will re-join the Gilas pool at Philsports Arena Monday night as their weekly practice resumes.

The 6-4 banger from Pozzorubio, Pangasinan will be the subject of the Kuwentong Gilas documenatry on TV5 which airs every Monday at 8pm. 

The two-part episode will show Pingris' journey from the small town in Pangasinan to become one of the stalwarts of Gilas Pilipinas culminating in his heroic effort against South Korea in the semifinal game in lieu of injured naturalized big man Marcus Douthit.