Head coach Yeng Guiao liked how Gilas Pilipinas toppled the visiting Adelaide 36ers in the first of two tune-up games, Friday evening at the Meralco Gym in Pasig City.
The Nationals momentarily lost hold of an eight-point lead approaching the midway point of the final frame. Fortunately, Roger Pogoy then spearheaded a 12-2 finishing kick to steer Gilas to a 92-83 victory.
“I’m glad we won the game. Glad also that we were able to sustain yung effort,” said the veteran mentor.
“The 36ers gave us a really good game. I felt like it was exactly what we needed.”
For Guiao, the tuneup gave Gilas a glimpse of what awaits them in the global basketball spectacle, especially with how big men operate in the international game.
“Yun yung kailangan natin – rugged, physical, playing against bigger guys, against bigs who can run the floor, who are quick. Dun nagkaka-problema kasi yung bigs natin [are] not that quick.
“We should find a way to keep up with the bigs—who can run, who are quick. This game gave us a glimpse of what we will face and it’s going to give us time to make some adjustments,” he said.
The tuneup also showed the work needed to be done. Guiao said June Mar Fajardo, Roger Pogoy, and Troy Rosario have plenty of catching up to do as far as getting used to the system is concerned.
The three veteran internationalists only returned to national team duties this Tuesday. The three needed time to recover from the grueling 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals.
“Meron din tayong problema with June Mar, Pogs and Troy. Kaka-salpak lang nila so kinakapa pa sila ng mga kasama nila,” the outspoken mentor said. “We can still get smoother, more fluid.
“Kasi nga, nung naglalaro tayo sa Spain na magkakasama na sila ng matagal, nakita ko na mas maganda yung kilos natin as a team. Nung andyan na sila, medyo nagpapakiramdaman pa sila,” he continued.
“That’s one thing we need to fix in the next few days.”
Still, Guiao said that the majority of these are good problems for the team. He’s more concerned with the status of Matthew Wright and Poy Erram.
The two did not see action in Friday’s tuneup due to minor injuries. Wright is still recovering from the peroneal tendon sprain he got last Monday, while Erram remains hobbled by a knee issue.
Guiao has ruled out both players in the second tuneup this Sunday. However, he’s not too worried about their injuries since both are minor cases. He is worried, though, that they should’ve been playing now as they are refining everything.
“Mukhang hindi na [lalaro sa Linggo]. That’s why it’s a bit more concerning. Mga injuries nila ‘di naman serious eh. Ang problema, this is the time we need to see them play.”
