He said he was just a call away. He was true to his word.
Not to count out San Miguel Beerman Chris Ross, but at 38, it might be just a matter of time before he calls it a career and ventures into other things.
So, pardon the two-time PBA finals MVP if he is beyond excited at the prospect of playing for the Philippines again—never mind if it is just for the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. Ross, in fact, is so willing to don that Gilas jersey once more that he stayed true to what he kept telling Gilas coach Chot Reyes in their chance encounters.
“Every time I run into Coach Chot whenever we cross paths, he always tells me he wants me to be a part of it [Gilas] somehow, and I told him I’m just a call away,” Ross told News5 on Monday after Gilas practice.
And, apparently, Reyes gave Ross that call, and now here he is—among the team’s elder statesmen but arguably one of its main leaders. The nine-time PBA champion, though, seems genuinely but pleasantly surprised by this call-up and the opportunity to wear the red, white, and blue once again.
“So, I found out I was in the pool again. I actually thought the 2019 SEA Games was gonna be my last, and here we are again. I’m honored to do it,” Ross added.
Among the winningest players in Asia’s first pay-for-play league, Ross made his first and only national team stint memorable as he helped Gilas win basketball gold in the 30th SEA Games held here in home soil. And he would very much like a repeat of that golden run from four years ago.
“Hopefully, we’ll have the same fate as the 2019 SEA Games,” said Ross.