The TNT Katropa’s fiery three-game winning streak in the 2018 Commissioner’s Cup just got doused with cold water Sunday night, no thanks to a more assertive Vic Manuel and the streaking Alaska Aces, 110-100.
Texters head coach Nash Racela, however, isn’t hanging his head down.
“First loss. You look at the positives,” said the second-year TNT main mentor. “I think at this point, you should be happy with the way we are playing. We still got three wins out of the four.
“That is something really positive.”
For Racela, there isn’t really something to be down about. Their first taste of defeat in the mid-season tilt, for him, is simply a part of their growth, as they are still trying to have their new pieces — such as Terrence Romeo — work well.
“I think you look at all the teams, all the teams are still learning to play with each other. It’s the same case with us,” furthered Racela.
“Of course, having a practically new team, we’re still in the process of learning each other.”
Speaking of Romeo, the flashy combo guard bounced back from his three-point outing last Sunday against Ginebra by producing 17 points and eight assists. However, it’s not a strong indication that he has picked up TNT’s system.
“Learning process. Ano yung sabi ni ano? Who was that coach? Rome wasn’t built in a day? May nabasa ako… Nabasa ko, a coach said that because they are in the process of building their team. It’s the same with us,” Racela insisted.
“You don’t expect everybody to be at their best right away. It takes time. Sixers nga e, process daw e.”
Asked if he was surprised with the way the the Milkmen played, the veteran strategist thought otherwise, saying that Alaska has always been consistent — so much so that it is something he would want the Katropa to emulate.
“Si Alaska naman has been very consistent with the way they play both offense and defense. That’s something that we are trying to learn and be at the level of Alaska in terms of consistency,” Racela stressed.
“Obviously, we’re not there yet. It’s a long conference.”
