ROS YOUNG GUNS TAKE CENTERSTAGE
When was the last time a team’s three rookies led the team to the win?
A better question might be, has it ever happened before?
If not, well Rain or Shine just shot itself to the history books as its three rookies – Raymond Almazan, Alex Nuyles, and Jeric Teng – scored 13 points each, anchoring the E-Painters to clinch the second twice-to-beat advantage in the 2014 PLDT myDSL PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals with a masterful 104-94 win over Air21 last Saturday.
“Lahat kaming mga rookies, capable maglaro ng ganun kasi binibigyan naman kami ng chance ni coach Yeng,” Almazan said.
Known for his unpredictable rotation schemes, Guiao has mastered the art of distributing minutes to all the players he has on the bench, and this has benefitted the three Rain or Shine neophytes, as all of them are getting ample playing time to show the league what they’re worth.
And this opportunity is the reason why the former Letranite Almazan has been matched for the better part of his 19 minutes on the floor with the Express’ Asi Taulava.
“Nung first half, medyo sluggish ako. Kaya ang sabi ko, pag ginamit ako ng third, puputok talaga ako,” he said. “Nasa isip ko lang tatakbuhan ko sila ng tatakbuhan.”
For his part, Teng had his best night as a pro in that game, as he played a team-high 24 minutes on the floor.
“Nagulat nga ako eh. Pero sinasabihan ako ng teammates ko na they will look for me at tutulungan nila kong mahanap yung confidence ko,” the former UST star said. “Kahit papaano, I got it, and I’m thankful for my teammates and the coaches.”
The second-generation PBA player also relayed what Guiao has been constantly reminding his players in practice, the nitty-gritty on helping them get over the hump.
“Every practice, sinasabi ni coach na we have to keep on attacking and make our free throws,” Teng said. “When we attack the basket, we create opportunities for the shooters. Dun kami nagbe-base talaga.”
“Halos lahat sila dito, beterano na eh. We learn everyday when to shoot, when to pass, the techniques on defense, and how to stop certain players. We have to be positive talaga,” he added.
Nuyles, who earlier in the season had his breakout game, emphasized the luxury of owning the twice-to-beat edge, but has gone weary because the last time Rain or Shine was in this position, the Elasto Painters were upset by Barangay Ginebra in last season’s Commissioner’s Cup.
“Di kami pwedeng maging complacent sa standing namin kahit twice-to-beat kami,” the former Adamson Falcon said. “Dapat una pa lang, manalo na kami.”
“Wala namang mahinang team sa PBA eh. Ang goal namin is maka-10 wins lang, so ngayon, 11, ok na. We have to play harder sa playoffs.” (RL)
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