Still coaching on an interim basis after taking over GlobalPort Batang Pier head coaching duties late last conference, Eric Gonzales sees his team as a better squad right now after a morale boosting 11-point victory over expansion team Kia.
Compared to last conference when he took the reigns from Pido Jarencio, Gonzales cited his players’ better understanding of the system he wants to employ.
“Pinakamahalaga kasi yung understanding nila ng game. Where to go, who to go,” he added commending his players on their movement inside the court.
Though immediately compared to the Aces’ full court trap, the pastor-coach talked about their barometer for the whole conference.
“Ang barometer namin is giving our best. Not San Miguel, not Alaska, not Blackwater, not Kia, it’s always giving our best,” said Gonzales.
Steering his team against a resurgent Carnival squad, Gonzales just sees everything as a blessing.
“Blessing yun (opening day win), para sakin breaks of the game. OK sila (Kia Carnival) nung huli hindi lang pumasok mga tira nila,” ended Gonzales, who has a positive outlook on his team’s future games.
Last conference, Gonzales won his debut game against Ginebra before being beaten by Meralco for a twice-to-beat advantage at the end of the elimination round. GlobalPort was then eliminated by Ginebra in the quarterfinals for a 1-2 record for Gonzales as their interim head coach. Gonzales evened it up at 2-2 after the victory over Kia.
Although there are talks of bringing in former Air21 head coach Franz Pumaren to replace Gonzales, GlobalPort has not officially sealed any deals, which means the former UST track and field star will continue his reign in an interim capacity.
