‘Hungry’ GlobalPort take on experienced Alaska in semis
Pido Jarencio, the portly coach of Globalport, readily concedes his team is no match for Alaska’s playoff experience. In the same breath, he believes it won’t be a factor when the Batang Pier and the Aces meet in the semi-finals of the Smart Bro PBA Philippine Cup.
“Beteranong team yun. Lagi silang nasa semis at championship,” noted Jarencio of the battled scarred Aces
In contrast, Globalport is making its first semifinal appearance after eliminating Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel in a thrilling finish in overtime of their knockout quarterfinal game on Sunday.
As usual Stanley Pringle and Terrence Romeo took charge on offense while their bigs — starring Doug Kramer, Billy Mamaril, Jay Washington, and Rico Maierhoffer — preserve their efforts with outstanding performance at the defensive end.
Jarencio believes his chargers deserve to be in the semifinals considering their hard work and willingness to sacrifice even their personal undertaking. He cited the case of Kramer, who exemplified the true meaning of professionalism. The power forward decided against attending his sibling’s wedding ceremony on the day of their game against the Gin Kings on the prodding of his coach.
“Napakalaking sakripisyo ng ginawa niya. All his siblings look up to him. What he did is really something. Minsan lang mangyari sa buhay ng isang tao ang ikasal. But Doug didn’t hesitate when I told him we need him in this (against Ginebra). I’m glad his teammates did not disappoint,” Jarencio said.
The Aces and the Batang Pier start their series on Jan. 4.
Jarencio knows well the best-of-seven series is all about game plan.
“Kaya every game dapat paghandaan. We are also hungry and that’s more than enough motivation,” said Jarencio, convinced his chargers can match up with the Aces “speed for speed, quickness for quickness.”
“Mga winners din naman yung mga players na napunta sa amin (through trades). Si Stanley (Pringle), Terrence (Romeo) at yung bago lang namin ang hindi pa nakapasok sa semis at championship dito sa PBA. Halos lahat nakatikim na ng championship. Si Rico (Maierhofer), Billy (Mamaril), Doug (Kramer), Keith (Jensen), and Joseph (Yeo) lahat yan nakatikim na ng championship,” Jarencio said
While he believes the Batang Pier can match up with the Aces man-for-man, Jarencio admitted Alaska power forward Calvin Abueva will be tough to handle.
“Kailangan matapatan namin ang energy ni Abueva para maka-compete kami sa kanya,” Jerancio said. (Dave Coros)
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