MOTIVATING THE HARDCOURT WARRIORS
Before the game is decided on the hardcourt Sunday night, the quarterfinal series between the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel is already proving to be an interesting mind battle.
Kings coach Siot Tanquingcen Saturday held a closed-door practice so his players will be totally focused on the task at hand.
Normally visited by throngs of fans, Ginebra’s practice session at the Reyes Gym was a virtual ghost town as only players, coaching staff and important team staff members were allowed inside.
During the 2-4 p.m. practice, Tanquingcen left no stone unturned in stressing to his players everything that should be done to complete a “Never Say Die” run in the quarters versus the higher rated ROS side.
“We need to work on our offense and defense. But more so, mas kailangan nating mag step up sa opensa natin. Our last two games versus Rain or Shine, we only averaged less than 80 points,” stressed Tanquingcen to his players.
After a nail-biting 79-77 win in Game 2 last Friday, Tanquingcen also had this to say: “Laro lang kayo. Malayo pa ang championship round. Yung panalo natin nung Friday, first step pa lang yun. We need one more para mag advance pa lang sa next round. Huwag muna tayong mag relax.”
Going over to the other side of the fence, at the North East Greenhills Gym Saturday morning, it was a different mood for Rain or Shine – obviously still anguishing from a painful loss.
But like a Jedi-minded mentor that he is, Guiao attacked the heart of his players with an appeal.
Uncharacteristically calm, a soft-toned Guiao said, “Kung ayaw niyo nang lumaro, ibigay na lang natin sa ibang players na gustong manalo (yung playing time). Sabihin niyo na sa akin ng maaga, para alam ko na gagawin ko. Kaya kong bumuo ng panlaban ng team. Ilang beses ko nang ginawa yan.”
The 4-time champion coach even bared he is aware how most of his players die for won game perks, “Alam ko naman yung iba sa inyo talagang nakikipagpatayan. Yung iba sa inyo may mga pinaglaanan na at umaasa sa bonus. Alam ko karamihan sa inyo, gustong magkabahay o kotse. Tutulungan ko kayo dyan. Magtulong tulong muna tayo.”
And the warriors who will carry the fight for both teams vow to come out stronger in the sudden death match for last Final Four berth.
“Kailangan talaga mag double up kami sa rebounding, andami naming pinamigay na offensive rebounds. Tapos yung depensa kay Chris Ellis, kailangan mas doblehin. Yung (Mark) Caguioa at (LA) Tenorio, gagawa talaga yun eh”, explained Elasto Painters guard Paul Lee.
“We gotta play the same (like Friday’s game), same intensity and I think we will be alright. The physicality of Rain or Shine will always be there. Hindi mo na dapat asahan kung masasaktan ka eh. Just give it your best. We just have to be ready for it. No complaints.”, Caguioa exclaimed.
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