MARC Pingris was M.I.A (missing in action) from Gilas Pilipinas practice on Thursday night at the Meralco gym - and it seemed nobody can explain why.
The Star Hothsots forward was expected to report for duty after arriving the day before from a trip to France, but failed to turn up to the disappointment of fans and media who had waited for his arrival.
National coach Tab Baldwin and manager Butch Antonio declined to comment on Pingris' absence. Baldwin had earlier added the longtime Gilas mainstay to his pool on the premise that he will be rejoining the team upon his arrival.
[See Pingris in doubt for Gilas as he leaves for France]
Pingris left for France on July 28 and made it clear to Spin.ph that he is willing to join the Gilas pool if Baldwin can wait for him.
Sources said he arrived as scheduled on Wednesday with his family. He wasn't taking calls on Thursday.
"Sa akin naman, kung mahihintay pa nila ko sa pagbabalik ko sa August 12, willing pa rin ako maglaro ... Ako pa ba ang uurong d'yan?' he told Spin.ph.
Antonio, though, hopes the Gilas workhorse, who made a commitment to the national team before leaving for his father's homeland, shows up on Friday night.
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