After earning a 1-0 lead over Alaska, NLEX Road Warriors head coach Yeng Guiao expressed concern over the Aces and its’ plans come Game Two on Wednesday, saying that the Milkmen has enough experience to stage a fightback.
“Magaling ang Alaska sa playoffs,” feared the fiery bench strategist after their 105-99 win at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“They’ve been through a lot more difficult situations and they’ve come out of those situations pretty good.”
But Aces head coach Alex Compton thinks otherwise, stressing that NLEX’s vets have way more playoff experience than the Milkmen, who’s bannered by veterans Calvin Abueva, Jvee Casio, Sonny Thoss, and Vic Manuel.
“While it’s true, it’s also partially not true just from a personnel experience,” Compton thought.
“How many playoff games does Larry (Fonacier) have? How many playoff games does Cyrus (Baguio) have? How many playoff games under Yeng does JR Quiñahan have? How many playoff games does Asi (Taulava) have? How many playoff games does Rabeh (Al-Hussaini) have?”
Compton even pointed out that the Road Warriors’ young Gilas duo in Kiefer Ravena and Kevin Alas are both armed with experience as their fathers have been working as coaches in the league for a long time now.
“Kiefer and Kevin, they’re coach’s sons. That’s what we call unfair advantage.
“I don’t mean that as a complain, you know, in life, if your dad’s an entrepreneur, and you had a job in an entrepreneur field, you’re just wise in some things, and with you’re parents and teachers, you’re gonna be a step ahead in education. And if your dad’s a coach, you’ve probably felt the game really well,” he said.
Compton may have had a few cents about what both teams’ advantages and disadvantages are, but he was quick to add that it is the least of his concern right now. All that he focuses on is prepping his wards for Game Two.
“I don’t think too much about advantages and disadvantages. I just think they’re a good team with good vets,” said Compton. “Hopefully we can come back a little sharper — I wouldn’t say harder, but sharper — as a team.
“Hopefully we’ll be able to bounce back. The great thing abot a series is we’re not done,” added the affable coach.
“Hopefully we’ll be able to clean some things up and prepare for some adjustments on their side.
