Pringle goes to Ginebra

by Jonas Terrado

Games Today (Mall of Asia Arena)
4:30 p.m. – Rain or Shine vs NorthPort
7 p.m. – Meralco vs NLEX

NorthPort made a stunning move by trading injured All-Star guard Stanley Pringle to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on the eve of its PBA Commissioner’s Cup game against Rain or Shine at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Batang Pier have agreed to ship the 2015 Rookie of the Year to the defending champion Kings in exchange for veteran guard Sol Mercado, third-year forward Kevin Ferrer and big man Jervy Cruz.

The PBA Commissioner’s Office approved the trade yesterday.

Pringle’s impending transfer is NorthPort’s own way to plug the holes following injuries to Jonathan Grey and Nico Elorde.

Pringle has played just two games this conference with averages of 14.5 points after undergoing surgery to remove bone spurs on his right foot. He posted 20.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 2.8 steals in the Philippine Cup.

Mercado, who had two stints with the Batang Pier from 2013 to 2015, is set to end his four-year stint with Ginebra where he won three championships as one of Cone’s key defensive weapons.

NorthPort coach Pido Jarencio, on the other hand, will be reunited with Cruz and Ferrer, his former players at University of Santo Tomas.

“While we lost an exciting player in Stanley, we will have the experience of Jervy and Solo and the versatility of Kevin,” said Jarencio. “In a sense, we will get bigger.”

In its statement, NorthPort said: “We thank Stan for five great years. He’s been our sparkplug and we gained prominence because of his gutsy plays and the character he displayed on the court. In some of our games, he even played with pain.”

“I want to have my former UST players, alam nila ang sistema ko,” added Jarencio.

Cruz helped Jarencio win his only UAAP title in 2006 when the Cinderella Growling Tigers stunned the Ateneo Blue Eagles while Ferrer was under the tutelage of the former Glowing Goldie from 2011 to 2013, reaching the finals twice.

NorthPort’s move came as it prepares to secure a virtual quarterfinals berth in the 4:30 p.m. match with Rain or Shine.

The Batang Pier aim to rejoin TNT KaTropa atop the standings as they seek for a sixth win in seven outings in the midseason tournament.

Meralco and NLEX square off in the other game at 7 p.m. with the Bolts looking to go 4-4 and the Road Warriors gunning for their first win after a 0-6 start.