Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes was left dissatisfied with his wards after Wednesday night’s tune-up game versus the NLEX Road Warriors. But two nights later, after their friendly against the Blackwater Elite, the long-time mentor was singing a happy tune.
“It was important for us to grow and make sure we’re improving from the last game and I thought we played better defense today,” said Reyes after Gilas’ 105-101 triumph. “Our offense looked a whole lot better than the last one.
“I like the fact that I was able to get a lot of minutes from a lot of guys.”
The five-time PBA Coach of the Year though was quick to add that he and his deputies are still experimenting with the team, rotation-wise, and he is trying to know more about his prized pieces as well.
“Still, we have to put our rotation down. We’re putting in different combinations,” said the 53-year-old coach.
“I’m learning the players as well, what works and what the perfect combinations are. That’s where we are at now.”
In their second tune-up, Gilas fielded in a depleted squad, as sharpshooter Matthew Wright sat out due to back problems. And unfortunately, the team’s injury list may have added another player in do-it-all point guard Jio Jalalon.
The Star Hotshots rookie hurt his ankle at the 4:38 mark of the third canto after a collision with one of the Elite’s players, and he never came back to the game afterwards.
“Hindi ko alam kung si Jalalon, sana light lang yung ankle injury niya,” hoped the eight-time champion coach of the Arellano University Chief’s status.
“Pero at least we are getting a lot of guys that are coming in and play.”
But despite the injuries, the Nationals still received consistent outings from forward Carl Cruz. The Alaska Aces rookie powered his team to victory, leading his side with 22 points highlighted by five triples after scoring 11 points against the NLEX Road Warriors last Wednesday.
“CBC plays the role of Ranidel de Ocampo in this team.
“He knows what’s expected of him,” lauded Reyes of Cruz. “The key now for CBC is to be able to do that on a consistent basis. We also have to be able to rebound when he’s in cause he’s not the tallest of the fours. He’s an undersized big man.”
Gilas’ preparations for the Jones Cup continue as they take on the Alaska Aces on Saturday, July 8, at the Gatorade Hoops Center, their third tune-up game this week.
