There’s a better reason why Kia Carnival has been playing like the giant slayer in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, and teams are beginning to realize that facing the expansion team is no joke.
“Ibig sabihin siguro nito, maganda yung ginagawa ng mga players atsaka yung training na ginawa namin,” Pacquiao told media after the Carnival brought down another champion squad, Talk ‘N Text, last Wednesday night.
It was the first back-to-back victory posted by the young franchise in the PBA, with the 18 triples from the Carnivals, a record-breaking feat for most three-point shots made this conference, was an indication that the team is definitely for real.
“Sumusunod yung mga players natin kaya maganda ang resulta. Yun naman ang sinasabi ko sa kanila basta sacrifice lang sa training para pagdating ng game, hindi tayo gaano mahihirapan. Tatlong malalakas na teams na tinalo naming. I believe yung kumpiyansa ng bawat isa andun na.”
Other than to maintain their winning streak, the players have another reason to be pumped up in trying to get their third-straight win on Saturday against fellow newcomer, Blackwater
“May bonus sila sa akin kapag nakuha nila. Kailangan naming ulit ipanalo yun,” added the Fighting Congressman from Sarangani Province. “Bukod sa team, may personal pa silang bonus sa akin.”
It’s no longer a secret as to why the players are so excited to win games in every conference following the incentives promised by Pacquiao. In fact, just last conference the team’s playing coach kept his word and brought the team to Macau to watch his last fight.
This conference, Kia had slain perennial giants like San Miguel Beer, the Philippine Cup champions, Purefoods Star, the reigning grand slam titlist, and Talk ‘N Text, also a many-time champion squad.
Following his team’s victories over the noted big dogs in the league, Pacquiao was so upbeat he even wanted to go all the way.
“Goal natin hindi lang basta pumasok (sa playoffs) kung hindi mag-champion. Nothing is impossible to the Lord,” he added.
