The Arellano University Chiefs seemed lost after Jerry Codinera’s sudden resignation last September 20.
Already sporting a 4-7 record, they have struggled during their first three games under Junjie Ablan. In the first three games he was at the helm, Arellano suffered crushing losses by an average of 13.3 points per game.
But Ablan did not waver. He continued to teach.
“Hindi na namin pwede gawin excuse yung nag-aadjust kami. Kung ganun lagi hindi kami magmo-move on,” Ablan shared.
“Sinasabi ko sila na tapos na yung adjustment, hindi ko naman sila pinipilit. Sabi ko lang sa kanila, just trust the process and eventually dahan-dahan, hindi naman pwedeng bigla yan,” he added.
“Hindi naman puwedeng magtanim ngayon at bukas kakainin ang prutas. Ganun talaga it’s a process.”
Three days since their loss to the EAC Generals, a reinvigorated Arellano squad came out against the JRU Heavy Bombers. Their defense was stifling while their offense was crisp.
The result was an 86-70 wire-to-wire win.
For their part, the Chiefs have started to embrace Ablan’s system, saying that trusting it created beautiful basketball for them.
“Hindi ganun kadali pero talagang tinry namin yung best namin kasi si Coach Junjie, maganda yung pagtuturo niya sa amin, maganda na ang outcome sa mga nangyayari sa training, tulad ngayon nangyari ngayon,” said Levi dela Cruz.
It is still uncertain whether Ablan’s stint as head coach will extend to next season. But for Ablan, he is just glad to see the Chiefs starting to find their form for next season’s build-up.
“Ako I’m happy for them. Sabi ko naman sa kanila nung una na hindi niyo naman lahat magagawa yung gusto namin. Pero pag siinubukan niyo baka may magandang resulta.
“This time sana mas may makuha sila sa sistema namin,” Ablan closed.
