Despite their short stint in the 2019 Thailand Open Sealect Tuna Championships, Rebisco-Philippines head coach Dante Alinsunurin was able to take a good look on their competition in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
Aside from establishing the team’s chemistry and first six in the tournament, Alinsunurin also made it a mission to scout their possible opponents in the upcoming biennial meet.
“Medyo naging maganda yung resulta.
“Yung sinasabi namin na makalaban sana namin doon yung kung sino ‘man yung makakalaban namin sa SEA Games, nakita namin ‘yun sa Thailand, yung mga players nila,” bared Alinsunurin on their Thailand stint.
Reigning Thailand League Most Valuable Player Kantapat Koonmee (Air Force), Kissada Nilsawai (Air Force), Jakrakop Saengsee (Air Force), Anuchit Pakdeekaew (Air Force), Mawin Maneewong (Air Force), Konhan Amorntep (Army), and Chatmongkhon Paketkaew (Saraburi), are some of the players from the Thai national team that the Philippines have gone up against in the Sealect Championships.
The NU mentor used their Thailand stint to gauge the National team’s preparations, as he wanted to see how his wards will deliver especially when facing an Asian powerhouse.
Upon seeing their counterparts up close, Alinsunurin and the rest of the Philippine Men’s National Volleyball Team now has an idea of what they’re going up against in the regional meet.
“At least alam na natin kung ano yung mga style nila, kung anong ginagawa nila sa laro.
“Fast-paced sila, mas dominante yung mga nasa back line nila, yung service nila halos lahat nag ju-jump serve. At least mayroon na kaming idea, hindi yung pagdating ng SEA Game saka kami mangangapa,” said Alinsurin.
With the Thais putting a premium on their jump serves and back row attacks, the multi-titled mentor pointed out that the team will have to improve their ball receives to stand a chance against the best in Southeast Asia.
Alinsunurin is more than glad to have seen what they’re opponents are capable of now so that they could make the possible adjustments right away.
“Mahirap yung pagdating ng SEA Games saka pa lang kami magkikita, although siyempre kami, nagsisimula pa lang. E sila, matagal na sila sa labanan kaya kailangan talaga naming makita kung nasaan na yung team and ano yung kalaban namin,” he added.
The Philippines – despite garnering for a bronze finish in the tournament – is still far from the cohesive unit he shapes them to be, but with time definitely on their side, Alinsunurin assures that they will be ready come November.
“Malayo pa kami eh, marami pa kaming kulang.
“Siyempre sa positioning, sa setting saka sa opposite namin, medyo nagkakaproblema pa kami pero siyempre marami pa naman kaming time para pagpractice-an ‘yon,” he said.
With the SEA Games closing in, Alinsunurin hopes that his squad will get its much-needed exposure to help them in their bid.
“Kailangan pa namin ng more experience pa talaga sa game, i-polish talaga lahat ng kailangan namin pagdating sa SEA Games.”
Beside the Thais and the Filipinos, eight other nations have signified their intention to join the men’s volleyball tourney of the regional meet.
