The still-winless Kaohsiung Truth may have finally found the 1-2 punch they have been needing for the past few games.
The Taiwanese squad has not won a game ever since their debut, losing against Hong Kong Eastern Lions and Alab Pilipinas that sent them to a 0-3 hole. And Sunday night was no different from their previous matches as they fell to Alab anew, 93-87, at the Olivarez College Coliseum in Parañaque City.
But in their fourth game of the season, two new faces have worn the striped blue uniforms of the Taiwan-based club team — two new faces that could turn things around for the slumping squad.
Truth’s new recruits are FEU products Raymar Jose and Achie Iñigo, who brought lots of positives in their debut in a game that was mostly lopsided in favor of the Philippine contingent. The long-time Tamaraw teammates were Kaohsiung’s replacement for initial import Mikee Reyes, who played for them last Sunday in which he scored a decent 14 markers.
Jose, a UAAP Season 79 Mythical Team member, feels upbeat with his opening game for Kaohsiung, saying that facing much bulkier bigs will only help him develop even more.
“Masaya ako kasi nakakalaban ko mga import,” said Jose, who scored 12 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in his debut. “Ma-iimprove ko talaga sarili ko rito.”
However, the six-foot-six tenacious rebounder was quick to admit that he still has a lot of adjustments to do.
“Nag-aadjust pa [kasi ako], kasi nung college ako, 4 ako — unang-una 5 ako tapos naging 4. Ngayon 3-4.
“Basta yun lang, iimprove ko pa talaga yung kailangan ko gawin,” he vowed.
Meanwhile, Iñigo though was not impressed with the way he ran the one spot, looking tentative to start the ball game.
“Okay naman kaso nag-cramps. Kasi talagang walang point guard eh, walang back-up,” said Iñigo, who had four points and eights assists in 27 minutes of action.
When asked if he was surprised after seeing how ABL displays their own brand of basketball, Iñigo was not fazed by such.
“Kasi sanay naman tayo sa physical basketball dito sa Pilipinas. Siguro sa kanila, kasi ‘di naman ganun ka-pisikal ang laro sa Taiwan,” the 25-year-old added.
And for him to able to help Kaohsiung, Iñigo needs to take charge, just like any other import.
“Mas maging aggressive ako, para ma-open din yung teammates ko. Kasi siyempre first game ko, ayoko naman na ‘sige akin na ‘to.’
“As a point guard, hindi naman dapat ganon. Yung kanina siguro, ayos lang. First game. Bawi na lang,” Iñigo added.
Unlike the one-game contract of Reyes last time, Jose and Iñigo have made a stride this time, as they were signed by the Wesley Hsu-owned team for the rest of the season.
With the two joining Kaohsiung in full force, Iñigo and Jose might just be the perfect combo that Truth has been looking for — the combo that can help them in so many ways, and possibly, lead their charge.
