The national team will need all the help it can get.
From the get-go, Stanley Pringle knows he's just a spare tire for Gilas Pilipinas in the upcoming Asian Games.
Coach Tim Cone has made it clear that Gilas already has a final 12 that includes comeback-ing fan favorites Terence Romeo and Calvin Abueva. The team will be reinforced by two naturalized players Ange Kouame and Justin Brownlee, although there is a concern about the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel's resident import's injury.
"Stanley is our 13th in case something happens," Cone reiterated during Gilas' practice at the PhilSports Arena on Thursday.
The PBA's winningest coach can't help but praise his guard considering that there's little chance that he will get to don the national team colors.
"He sacrificed himself coming here and working with us even though he doesn't have a spot on the team at this point. Unless something, God forbid, something happens to the players. Other than that the 12 we have, they're the 12."
Gilas will open its Asian Games bid on September 26. The boys in blue will face Bahrain, Thailand, and Jordan in Group C.
(With reports from News5's Martie Bautista)