IPIL, ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY — JPS Zamboanga City had a debut to remember, Friday, in the 2021 Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup Mindanao Leg.
Zamboanga wasted no time and crushed Kapatagan Buffalo Braves by 36, 89-53, at the Provincial Gymnasium here.
The offense came from everyone on JPS’ side with four players in double figures and eight with at least seven points.
Leading the way was Gino Jumao-as with 13 points while ex-pros Rudy Lingganay, Mac Cardona, and Jerwin Gaco dropped 12, 11, and 10, respectively.
With an impressive first game, Zamboanga head coach Tony Pardo expressed confidence in his team.
“I believe I have the best ex-pros in my team,” stated Pardo.
Aside from Lingganay, Cardona, and Gaco, also having past stints in the big leagues are Gabby Espinas, Ronnie Matias, Jaypee Belencion, and Kyle Neypes.
Between the seven ex-pros are several championships won in various leagues.
But more than the titles and accolades, it’s the intangibles and experience that make the addition of the veteran pros a big plus for JPS.
“I don’t need any more assistants in the coaching staff,” shared Pardo.
“They (veteran pros) are my very own assistant coaches.”
With a veteran-laden team, floor general Lingganay said playmaking is easy in this squad.
As people say, it comes with experience.
“Madali mag-facilitate kasi basahan na lang eh. Kapag dala ko yung bola alam na nila kung saan sila pupwesto, isang kindatan lang alam na nila,” said the Mighty Termite, as he is fondly called.
