|
ONE
simply cannot put a good man down.
That was
what Purefoods’s James Yap and Red Bull’s Junthy
Valenzuela proved, bucking great odds to earn the nod as
the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Press Corps’
Smart-Accel Co-Players of the Week for the period from
November 19 to 25.
The two
were primarily responsible why their respective teams
notched two wins in as many games in the week that was,
entrenching them at 1-2 in the standings.
Valenzuela managed to share the honor by coming back
from a hamstring injury and help further stretch what is
widely believed as a surprising start for the Bulls in
the Smart PBA Philippine Cup.
For his
part, Yap managed to stand out despite a tough schedule
that had the Giants playing four hard games in a 12-day
span and him being the focus of the other teams’
defense.
The
recognition was the second in the young season for the
two, with Yap previously being feted for the period from
October 14 to 21 and Valenzuela the week after.
For good
reason.
Yap
averaged 19.5 points in Purefoods’ 86-85 and 84-81 wins
over
Alaska
and Sta. Lucia Realty, respectively, keeping the Giants
firmly entrenched on top of the standings with a 9-1
win-loss card.
“James
has been playing consistent basketball for us,” said
Giants coach Ryan Gregorio. “He has helped us
consistently on offense, and has been remarkable on
defense as well.”
Valenzuela was not too far behind, coming off the bench
for averages of 17.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.5
assists as Red Bull posted victories over pretournament
favorites Magnolia and Talk ’N Text to improve to a
second-running 6-3 slate.
“We
never expected to be in this position. But in our
hearts, for as long as we work hard, we know we have a
chance to beat any team,” said coach Yeng Guiao.
“Undeniably, Junthy is a key factor why we’re here thus
far.”
Giants
feeling the pressure
PUREFOODS Tender Juicy head coach Ryan Gregorio admitted
his team’s amazing 9-1 start somehow creates a lot of
pressure on them.
And
dealing with this kind of pressure would only test the
character of the Giants who are in their franchise-best
start.
“When
you have this kind of run, you have to accept the fact
that other teams will now prepare hard against you,”
said Gregorio as his wards are coming off another
miraculous 84-81 win on Sunday against Sta. Lucia Realty
at the Araneta Coliseum.
“I told
my players that pressure will always be there, from the
media and other teams. The pressure that we must avoid
is the pressure that we put in ourselves and that should
be taken aside,” Gregorio added.
After
seeing its seven-game winning run snapped by Red Bull in
Tacloban City, Purefoods annexed two hard-fought games,
started by an 87-86 squeaker over Alaska on Wednesday,
also at the Big Dome.
And the
Giants accomplished the feat with their star players,
James Yap and Kerby Raymundo, struggling to find their
consistent game. Luckily for them, the role players are
plugging the hole for them.
“What’s
good about in our team is that the roles of the players
are defined and they really complement each other well,”
Gregorio.
“If you
like and love the role given to you, that will be
important in forming a one, cohesive unit,” he added.
Gregorio
made special mention to his new recruit Chico Lanete who
continues to amaze the league with his ability to
compete against the best playmakers in the league.
“I’m
always impressed with his performance that goes back in
his PBL [Philippine Basketball League] days. I just keep
on challenging him every time he struggles because I
knew he’s one talented player,” said Gregorio.
Heart
dominates over talent
NEVER
bully the Red Bull Barakos.
This was
the message of Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao moments after
their pulsating 109-104 victory over the Talk ’N Text
Phonepals, also Sunday night.
“I have
to give credit to the boys whom a lot of people thought
have no talent. Sometimes it’s not about talent but also
about heart. The boys worked hard to get this win,” said
Guiao.
The win
was the Barakos’ sixth in nine games that also gave them
solo second place in the team standings currently led by
Purefoods TJ Hotdogs (9-1).
“We
never expected to be in this position. I guess it’s not
only about talent but also about heart. As long as we
work hard we can beat any team,” said Guiao during the
postgame interview.
In their
game against the Phonepals, Red Bull nearly squandered a
21-point lead but regrouped in time to seal the win.
“Hindi
ako tumawag ng time out when they made a comeback.
It’s my way making the boys getting used to regrouping
sa loob ng court,” said Guiao. “I told the boys
what’s important is to win it at the end.”
Red Bull
seemed to have already recovered from the departure of
three of their most recent superstars to the Magnolia
Beverage Masters namely Rico Villanueva, Lordy Tugade
and Larry Fonacier.
“Naramdaman
talaga namin yung lungkot nung nawala sila pero it
also challenged my boys to step up kasi nagtatanong
na din sila eventually kung sino na ang
pupuntahan namin,” said Guiao yesterday in a
separate interview with Sports Radio.
Guiao
always made it a point to credit their win to their
effort in working as a team but nevertheless praised his
new recruits and veteran players for their current
status.
“Mahirap
na din ang maraming superstars kasi kapag hindi
mo nagamit, magtatampo pa nga yan,” added Guiao.
For one,
Guiao said it was a piece of good fortune old hand Mick
Pennisi served the National team during the FIBA-Asia
campaign that opened up a slot for Mike Hrabak.
“Given
up for lost na si Mike so to speak. But we needed
a big man who can shoot from the outside and that is
exactly yung role na komportable si Mike,” said
Guiao “Bata pa naman siya kaya tingin ko may
future pa si Mike sa liga.”
Guiao
attributes their success to an ideal practice sessions.
“Ok
naman to practice hard pero I make it a point
to make it enjoyable for them,” said Guiao. “May
ibang coaches kasi pinupukpok ang players
nila sa practice.” |
