STICKING WITH THE SYSTEM IS KEY
Unfinished business.
That’s what people see in the rematch of Alaska and Rain or Shine in the Philippine Cup semifinals.
In the final minute of Game 4 of the Governors’ Cup semifinal series between the two squads, JVee Casio slipped while taking off for what could have been an open lay-up to win the series and injured his knee, costing the Aces the game. He also sat out the series decider, where Alaska fell to Rain or Shine in overtime.
This time, Casio and the Aces will have a chance to exact vengeance.
But for the 28-year-old playmaker, past is already past.
“Tapos na yun. It’s a new conference now. We got to prepare hard kasi gusto naming manalo,” Casio said.
The heady sentinel understands the tough task ahead, but remains defiant knowing that they could not be caught up with all the drama in the playoffs.
“Alam naman namin na very strong ang Rain or Shine. Pero ang key lang sa amin is yung laro namin talaga. It’s a series, so that’s what we’re looking for. We just want to get to the Finals,” he said. “Gusto naming manalo. You cannot let up sa kanila. One mistake can be crucial, so every possession, every second of the game is very important.”
Casio also hopes that the Aces are mature enough to stand up to the pressure of the semifinals, and believes that sticking with the system that allowed them to get to this point is crucial for their success.
“We’ll stick with that. That’s how we got here and we’ll keep on doing that. We’re just going to do yung system ni coach,” Casio said, referring to their free-flowing offense, without forgetting about their suffocating defense. “That’s what we have to do, make stops and limit them. But for now, we’re back to the drawing board.”
The former Smart Gilas mainstay also said that the series, which could be a long one, will be decided on the coaches’ adjustments, saying, “Most of it will come from the effort of the players, kung ano yung kayang ipakita ng bawat isa.”
“But our goal is the growth of the team, to keep on improving as a team regardless if it’s a series or a game. If we’re doing (our system) the right way, doing what we’re supposed to do, it will work for us.” (RL)
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.
