Alvin Pasaol was en route to another phenomenal game. Unfortunately, as has become the trend with UE for the past three years, he was the only Red Warrior ready to fight.
The third-year forward scorched the Adamson University Soaring Falcons with 36 points, just 13 shy of his historic 49-point performance last year, on 14-for-33 shooting. He was also active on the boards, inhaling 11 rebounds, with five off the offensive glass.
The rest of the Red Warriors were paltry in comparison, especially compared to Adamson’s balanced attack – they all had the same number of attempts Pasaol had.
Rookie head coach Joe Silva disclosed that Pasaol’s start was by design. However, the ending was not.
“That time, Alvin was in a rhythm eh so kelangan, sakyan ko muna. When he started missing, that’s when I started involving everyone again,” said Silva.
Having to face his team after yet another double-digit loss, Pasaol passionately urged his teammates to show heart from this point on.
“Kailangan more aggressive din sila. Kailangan namin, parang give and take kami sa lahat ng bagay. Kailangan na-i-push namin sila lahat sa gusto nilang laro,” said Pasaol, even imitating the same fervor with which he talked to his squad.
More than numbers, the 23-year-old scorer wanted his teammates to show that they belong in the UAAP. He also acknowledged, however, that he cannot bring the desire out of his teammates. They have to make the adjustment internally.
“Kasi ano eh, hindi matuturo ‘yung heart eh na maglaro ng basketball. Kailangan mo, inspired basketball, kailangan mo puso eh. Hindi ka pwedeng pagpunta mo ng court, wala ka lang gagawin,” the 6-foot-3 added.
“Hindi puwede ‘yun. Kailangan ko, at sinasabi ko sa kanila parati, kailangan niyo eagerness, kailangan niyo ilabas ang tunay niyong laro. Heart.
“Sila naman lahat. Wala akong pinipili. Sila lahat, kailangan nila dalhin nila ‘yung A-game, dalhin nila yung gigil nila sa court, ‘di lang… Sayang eh, andito na eh, opportunity na namin ito. Kaunti na lang, nasa pro na kam,” he pointed out. “Kailangan eh, sayang eh. Kaya nga sinasabi ko parati sa kanila, sayang eh. Kailangan niyo talaga mag-sipag.”
