AMID the cloud of uncertainty hovering over his PBA career, veteran guard Stanley Pringle will now likely see brighter days.
Pringle signed a two-year contract as a free agent with Rain or Shine yesterday in a move that only gave a new lease of life to the veteran cager but also boosted the Elasto Painters’ backcourt artillery.
“We’re excited to announce that the former No. 1 overall pick in 2014 and four-time PBA champion is joining the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters after signing a two-year deal as a free agent,” the Terry Que and Raymond Yu co-owned ball club said in a statement on its social media pages yesterday.
“With his talent and championship experience, he will be a valuable addition to the team as we chase greater heights in Season 50. Let’s get to work, Stanley!”
The 6-foot-1 Pringle, 38, last suited up for Terrafirma in the pro league’s 49th season after he and fellow battle-scarred standout Christian Standhardinger were shipped by Ginebra to the Dyip for Stephen Holt, Isaac Go, and last year’s third pick overall that turned out to be RJ Abarrientos.
But Terrafirma has reportedly disbanded, with Asia’s first play-for-pay league set to tackle its situation during a crucial meeting set for tomorrow.
Pringle, who saw action for Painters’ coach Yeng Guiao at Gilas Pilipinas from 2018 to 2019, was good for 13.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.0 assists for the Dyip during the season-ending Philippine Cup.
Tabbed No. 1 overall in the 2014 Draft by GlobalPort (now NorthPort), the dazzling dynamo was traded to the Kings in 2019 where he won all four titles so far and a Best Player of the Conference award in the 2020 Bubble.
Pringle’s addition will surely beef up Rain or Shine’s young and promising guard rotation that has Adrian Nocum, Andrei Caracut, Anton Asistio, Gian Mamuyac, and Felix Pangilinan Lemetti and that could get them over the hump after four straight stints in the semifinals.
