LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
Barako Bull’s impressive start in the 2015 PBA Commissioner’s Cup has certainly caught Energy coach Koy Banal by surprise.
“Naniniwala ako na awa ng Diyos yun,” he said moments after the Energy turned back Alaska, 93-91 in overtime.
“Kung titignan mo yung lineup namin sa lineup ng ibang teams, malayong malayo yung composition namin. Pero yung willingness ng players to work hard on both ends, nandoon. It’s the will of the players kaya kami nananalo.”
Occupying a share of third spot at 4-2 a bit past midway through the elims, there’s no denying that Barako Bull has earned the respect of the competition.
And Banal is just gratified that his wards, most of them veterans, are adjusting to the situation they are dealt with and have learned from their past mistakes.
Barako’s win over Alaska is a prime example to that.
“I reminded them about our experience last conference when we lost five straight before we arrested it,” said Banal. “The guys showed the sense of urgency that we missed after losing back-to-back.”
He added, “If we want to arrest that (losing streak), we have to have that killer mentality. And I am glad that they delivered down the stretch up until the last defensive stop.”
With Barako Bull now a step closer to clinching a spot in the playoffs, Banal is just hoping for the best.
“Ang goal namin is to be in the middle of the pack after the eliminations. I just hope and pray we’ll be able to make it to the playoffs.” (RL)
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