Postscript to the UP Game 8/22

Aug 24
200911:58 am

Posted by Proud Archer

For years, the Archers have been known for their excellent guard corps. We’ve had players like Dino Aldeguer, Mac Cuan, Mike Cortez, Ty Tang, and even JV Casio. This year, paradoxically, the weakest spot in our rotation (the point guard), is turning out to be a critical element in our losing yesterday’s game, as it was for the games we lost earlier in the season.

Defensively, it was the same thing over and over again. Lester Alvarez, Eric Salamat, Paul Lee, Mark Barroca, and now, Mikee Reyes, all guards, were the key to beating us, using a combination of penetration and good outside shooting. Unfortunately, the Maroon who did the most damage was Mikee Reyes, who came from La Salle Greenhills. Even sadder that he did not sing his former school’s anthem, unlike Maui , Joel, and Sam did for us, and the way Migs and Martin Reyes did for UP. Something to prove, perhaps?

It was another guard who contributed to the Archers’ downfall, only this time it was one of ours. On the last offensive plays, Hyram Bagatsing made two crucial mistakes in the last minute. He wasted too much time on a play starting from 34 seconds down to 19 seconds, only to drive the ball, UP up by 3 pts. This should have been a two for one situation if a 2 pt. shot was the battle plan, or a three point shot was the play design with that much time left. As it turned out, neither happened, and he just split his charities. The second mistake was he dribbled off his foot with just seconds to go.

Overall, the defense was NOT THERE, PERIOD. It was another shootout at the OK Corral. Losing is forgivable. Giving up 81 points to UP is not. Offense will NOT win any games for us. Except for Bader's back-to-back steals off the box press, and the 6 turnovers we forced on Mikee Reyes, our press defense seemed to have come out from the laundry, soft like fabric with Downy instead of from the dug-out. UP, on the other hand, had a much stronger triple team press on the ball carrier, which forced some turnovers and anxious ball carrying moments.

Remember, our system thrives on our guard rotation. The press is the first step. Coming into the half court, the primary defense on the guard penetration is the second. This is where we are lacking this season. Unfortunately, our first string pg Simon, was out due to injury.

We were not beaten by UP plays mind you. This was a double barreled shoot-out by cross-over moving Mikee and the steady Woody Co, a much improved three point shooter this year. Also effective for UP was Mark Lopez, an athletic swingman who was aggressive on both ends of the court.

Now, on the positive side, Peejay Barua has regained his shooter's touch. James Mangahas, Maui Villanueva, Joshua Webb, and Bader Malabes played good offensive games. Of the four, however, only Bader played a very good defensive game. Joshua still showed that he has a lot to learn on defense, as he was mostly out of defensive position. The three point shot of Migs De Asis from the left side was his responsibility. Webb should also focus on the game rather than on getting into the head of the opponent. Yesterday, he spent most of his time on the court trash talking. That is a double edged sword which can either take your opponent out of his game or pump him up even more.

A bright spot for us defensively was Yutien Andrada, whose gives us some shot blocking ability on the post. His back to back post blocks were made at a crucial time to keep us in the game.

Mark Lopez of UP also had a monster defensive game. His block shot on James Mangahas was "right down his throat". He also was able to get rebounds from behind, another defensive weakness I see in our defensive rebounding game - the box out.

We now have to win ALL our remaining games if we want to make it to the playoffs. Anything less, and our track record of making the final 4 every year will be at risk. It's an issue of "if we want it this year, or lay down and die and try again next year."
Can we beat the teams we were supposed to lose to??? The attitude should always be YES!!!!!! Now, it’s up to the team to make it happen.

ANIMO!!!!!

Tagged as: DLSU Basketball, DLSU Green Archers, Green Archers, UAAP, UAAP Basketball, UAAP Season 72, UP Maroons

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etc
August 24th, 2009 - 12:07

how about jovet mendoza who rebunded 10 times, we do not mention him? I think we should give fair credits to all our players
cool dude
August 24th, 2009 - 12:15

I think we lack a pure point guard in our rotation, in the mold of mike cortez or dino aldeguer, one who will set-up plays for the team. Coach Franz should recruit a good point guard for next year. By the way, did La Salle recruited Keith Agovida from JRU? He’s one lethal offensive weapon, setting a record 82 points in an NCAA juniors game last year…
Musikero
August 24th, 2009 - 12:34

Here’s a question: Will we ever reach the 4th spot given the number of games we have play before the end of the season? In my mind, I doubt. And, what happened to the 3 straight wins?
James G
August 24th, 2009 - 12:59

I’ve been saying that without a 1, the team will not go far. You can’t rotate point guards – unless there’s injury of foul trouble – and expect continuity or success. It’s that simple, really…
armchair archer
August 24th, 2009 - 13:23

If Norbert Torres is only eligible to play starting 2011, why is his residency taking 3 years? If we go by the normal 2-year rule, he should be able to play next year because he sat out last year & is sitting out this year. Can someone please explain this? Thanks! I agree, this year we really need a good point guard. It’s so frustrating we let go of Mikee Reyes from LSGH, we really needed him…
Nel
August 24th, 2009 - 15:19

Norbert wasn’t able to complete one year last school year, since he only enrolled in the 2nd term. So that didn’t count towards his residency.

Regarding the point guard situation, we would have been ok if not for LA’s unfortunate medical issues before the season started. Our rotation would have been Simon, LA, and Joel, and that’s a good set of pgs: quick, excellent ballhandlers, and good passers. Bader and Hyram would have been free to play their natural positions, and would have probably played better.

While Mikee is good, Joel is a better fit for the Archers’ game. Remember, Joel played for Franz in the national youth team.
Archer
August 24th, 2009 - 15:28

The main reason why we are loosing is because the players are so soft… They are soft inside and outside meaning “lalambot lambot” everytime they play. How i wish LA Revilla is playing for us this season, he can be the moral booster and spit fire for the team and can be a leader. Guys, coach franz and his staffs are doing their jobs its the players who are not responding, yes they may play good at a certain game but in the next game they disappear. Inconsistent ang mga players natin this season. 4 more games i still believe we can make it to the final 4 provided we beat UST and UE this coming Saturday, Team 1 step at a time. slowly but surely. The players are not defending properly they should be more aggressive on defense and be enthusiastic on offense. I know it will be a long shot for the team to reach the final 4 but its still possible remember the team had a 4 game winning streak before the end of the first round, So again it can still be done. keep the faith AN1MO La Salle!!!
PMV
August 24th, 2009 - 16:25

This has been a very frustrating season for DLSU but nonetheless I feel that there is still hope to salvage a final four appearance to say the least. With UST’s loss yesterday,it gives a little hope for the team as its final four aspiration would still be in their hands and not on the outcome of games from the other teams.

As for our point guard problems, At this stage of the season, we could just only hope that the team make do and make the most out of the line up. Hyram and Bader are being forced to play out of their natural positions which in a way would explain the flaws most especially in our offensive set up.

I agree with etc regarding Jovet Mendoza. I am very pleased that he has been given the playing time this season. If my memory serves me correctly, he only played for one game last season against his former high school which he scored 2 consecutive baskets on impressive post up plays.

All is not lost guys. Keep the faith.Animo La Salle.
LSGH40
August 24th, 2009 - 18:40

we have analyzed since game one. But after each game some new weakness seems to come out. But I agree with most so long as we dont give up and fight till the end and battle all teams with archer intensity we will be proud of them win or lose. But being Soft especially on defense is not acceptable as ARCHER BRAND OF BASKETBALL. What happened to our TAPANG. We got to show this every game for 40 min.
James G
August 24th, 2009 - 18:50

At this point folks, if I’m coaching the team and I’m not getting pressured by the Alumni and boosters (aka: Big Money supporters) to win at all cost, then I’m going to find out what the young players on the team are all about. My seniors are gone after this season so if I want to know who I have going forward, I let the young players play more and put them in all kinds of situations so I can gauge how they react and respond. Win or lose, I’m building to the future so if I can get these kids time on the court facing real situations then I let them play and give them the very important “live fire” experience that practice cannot simulate. Sure, it means that as a coach, I recognize that the season has been compromised, but if we are to win in the future, I need to know what I have now!
10409114
August 24th, 2009 - 19:56

what happened to bringas? Correct me if i’m correct, but i’m not sure if he played at all in the second half..

I agree, i love Jovet’s game.. i know we got a lot of quality big men.. keep the faith archers! Just play hard and make DLSU community proud of you, W or L…
sportsman
August 24th, 2009 - 20:22

let’s just look forward to season ’73. we have better chances next year.
krls
August 24th, 2009 - 21:12

Despite the loss, I have to say there were shining moments for some archers, like PJ Barua, Bader Malabes and Yutien Andrada. This is probably the best game of PJ and Bader this season. I also like to commend the hustle Joshua Webb and Jovent Mendoza shows everytime they’re on the court. I just hope that there would be consistency in the archer’s game, offensively and defensively. Win or lose I’ll always be green all the way!
James G
August 24th, 2009 - 21:19

I don’t think it’s lack of effort from the players, I just think they have glaring weaknesses that the other teams have seen and are now exploiting. I don’t think the players are “soft” or aren’t tough enough either. Losing to UP and Adamson tells me that those two teams did their homework scouting this team and used what they learned and attacked the weakspots with success. Our boys are playing their hearts out so don’t confuse poor execution with not trying, but the fact is, you are not going to close the gaping holes this team has by wishing that they play better! Until they somehow correct their flaws, other teams will take full advantgage and keep attacking these areas.
johni
August 24th, 2009 - 22:22

DEFENSE – we were not able to limit our opponents these past games. they just shoot or drive at will.
RJ
August 24th, 2009 - 22:27

no heart, no passion, no emotion, no determination. where’s the ANIMO and LA SALLE BASKETBALL?!
banemalr
August 24th, 2009 - 23:52

Btw who is norbert torres and why does he have to take residency?
banemalr
August 24th, 2009 - 23:54

RJ… i totally agree with you. I think we had all those during the round 1 vs. Ateneo. Unfortunately we lost ( I am even more proud of that than other games this year). But I think that is the level of intensity, heart and determination we should have each and every game! Then win or lose, at least we gave it our all.
Josh
August 25th, 2009 - 12:21

Maybe the Pumaren magic has lost its sting… Is he speaking terms with Dindo?? Yup, I don’t know if we’ll still reach final four! NO HEART AND THE DESIRE TO WIN!!!

REFUSE TO LOSE ARCHERS!!! A lot of ball players would want to be in your shoes and would give everything just to win! The veteran should lead the way but sad to say, they are the ones lacking in Hunger and the will to win!!! Compromised?
anonymous
August 27th, 2009 - 05:23

Lasalle should get a very good point guard next year in order to bring back the rotation they used to have. And they better recruit from their own yard (from LSGH or DLSZ). Otherwise, another Mikee Reyes might give them a heartbreaking defeat again. I believe Nico Elorde of DLSZ would be a great choice.
Nel
August 27th, 2009 - 09:04

If LA Revilla is healthy enough, we will have a very good pg rotation next season, with Simon and hopefully a more mature Joel. This year, we suffered from a lack of quickness, and our transplanted sgs are not as good in ball handling and playmaking as any of the three pure pgs. If this pg lineup materializes, it will be among the best next year.

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