Almost two years ago, Chery Tiggo head coach Aaron Velez got criticized for constantly rotating his players during the Crossovers’ historic title run in the 2021 Premier Volleyball League Open Conference.
Velez drew flak from fans on social media early in that conference, especially when the star-studded Chery Tiggo dropped two consecutive five-setters at the hands of BaliPure and Sta. Lucia.
The former College of St. Benilde standout was able to redeem himself by steering the Crossovers to the first-ever professional title but everything spiraled down when they finished eighth in the following conference which saw him get relegated to a managerial role right after.
Now back on the sidelines, Velez has embraced the ‘experimental coach’ tag he earned almost two years back. And the move definitely paid off as Chery Tiggo saw different players step up in their red-hot 3-0 start in the 2023 All-Filipino Conference.
“Di ba nga nabansagan akong ‘experimental coach’ so ang akin na lang din, let’s embrace it. Kung meron naman akong ganun, kailangan lang i-filter,” said Velez after his team dominated F2 Logistics on Thursday at the Philsports Arena.
Velez expressed his gratitude to his coaching staff, for helping him guide the team, and to his players, for submitting themselves to the system and always sticking to the game plan.
“Ako nagpapasalamat talaga ako sa players and coaching staff. Kaya nandun yung coaching staff ko to remind me also if tama ba yung nagiging diskarte ko, masaya rin ako kasi yung mga players namin,” said Velez.
“Aside from handa, they allow me to be myself. Nagsa-submit sila sila sa magiging plano and we stick by it,” he added.
What was supposed to be a tight match turned out to be a lopsided one as the Crossovers took a stunning 25-19, 25-14, 25-16 win over the Cargo Movers.
Mylene Paat once again led Chery Tiggo in scoring with 22 points on 20 attacks, an ace, and a block while Shaya Adorador, EJ Laure, and Cza Carandang chipped in 13, 12, and 10 points apiece.
Alina Bicar tossed 20 excellent sets while Buding Duremdes gathered 25 excellent digs and 13 excellent receptions.
“Oo napansin ko po yun e. Two sides of the story kasi yung Laoag experience e, so tsine-cherish ko lahat kasi in any unpleasant situation, you just have to look on the brighter side of it and from there, you should have a good perspective also.”
