As the 2016 PBA Developmental League Foundation Cup reaches the midway part, the Tanduay Rhum Masters are currently braving the campaign without one of their top scorers in Louie Vigil.
Vigil’s exit stems from his decision to rejoin the Growling Tigers after the University Athletic Association of the Philippines tweaked rules regarding player eligibility, which made him available to suit up for the España cagers this coming Season 79.
Rhum Masters head coach Lawrence Chongson, when asked about the matter, shared that he and Vigil had spoken about such, and that he actually tried to convince the latter to make up his mind at another time and change his decision.
“Nag-usap kami. He had to go back to UST. At first he came to me kasi akala nung una wala na siyang playing years, eh nagbago ang ruling nila [UAAP] so kinausap na siya ng UST tsaka yung family niya.”
“Pinipigilan ko nga siya kasi feel ko rin na pwede na siya magpa-draft, especially kung matutuloy ‘yung [Gilas] Cadets [program], di ang laki ng tsansa sana, lalo na may exposure na siya sa’min ‘di ba. Pero mas pinili niya yun [UST],” he explained.
Now that uncertainties have been put to rest, Chongson still remains positive about his Rhum Masters even if Vigil is no longer playing for the squad, saying that his remaining players can still produce quality output sans the six-foot-four wingman.
“Kami naman as much as possible we don’t want to rely on individuals,” said the former University of the East head coach.
“You can see na we can cope. We have players at every position naman, ‘yung iba mga beterano pa. So, okay lang,” he added.
But, like most player-franchise split-ups, Chongson admitted that despite having enough defense-oriented players, Tanduay miss the forward’s presence on the defensive end, as his size can aptly match up with his counterparts’.
“Yung mga tres ko na nire-rely-an ko, medyo maigsi eh. Siya [Vigil] yung tipong pambantay ko sana sa mga taller wings ng opponents,” said Chongson.
To address their lack of defensive depth, Tanduay have made a move and acquired the services of former National University point guard Paolo Javelona as part of their adjustments, now that one of their top guns are gone.
“We acquired Paolo Javelona, another pesky defender in the perimeter. Hindi siya kasingtangkad ni Louie pero, like his first game today [versus Topstar], he gave us the same numbers, double-digit din. So I guess, in time, di na rin namin mamimiss masyado yun [Vigil],” said Chongson of their new recruit.
With the fourth-seeded Tanduay now leaving the past behind and playing with more hunger, their sights are locked on just one target, and that is to win the Foundation Cup crown.
“Of course, to win it all. ‘Yun pa rin naman [ang goal], ‘di pa rin naman nagbabago.”
“Being one of the two oldest teams sa DLeague, siyempre pangarap namin to win it all,” declared Chongson.
